Nigeria, Sept. 29 -- The Gulf of Guinea has recorded the fewest overall piracy incidents in 30 years. But when attacks take place, they result in tangible harm or death, and still have a severe and immediate impact.

In this evolving threat landscape, regional responses need to measure up. That means moving beyond fragmented naval deployments or externally sponsored exercises towards integrated naval approaches that are regionally owned and sustainable.

The region has managed to shift its approach before. In 2020, 10 of the 12 states bordering the Gulf of Guinea initiated at least one naval response to maritime threats.

In the years since, African navies have continued to deploy warships and boarding teams, and have improved information...