The Nigerian Navy has flagged-off a large scale multinational maritime security exercise code named CROCODILE Lift 2025 on board NNS KADA, at the Naval base in Apapa Lagos.
The Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Ikechukwu Ogalla said the exercise is a key platform to enhance operational readiness, amphibious warfare capabilities and interagency cooperation.
Vice Admiral Ogalla represented by the Chief of Transformation Naval headquarters, Rear admiral Monday Unurhiere stressed that the exercise is aimed at assessing the Nigerian Navy’s capacity for amphibious landing operations and strengthen maritime security efforts , with allied forces.
The CNS observed that the Navy has maintained a zero-piracy record since Nigeria was removed from the list of piracy-prone nations in 2022.
The Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command and Officer Conducting the Exercise, Rear admiral Michael Oamen said the exercise underscores the Navy’s commitment to regional cooperation and maritime safety.
Rear Admiral Oamen reaffirmed the Navy’s resolve to continue to implement both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to deter maritime threats and protect legitimate commercial activities within Nigeria’s waters.
The commanding officer of the French landing Helicopter Dock TONNERRE,Captain Arnaud Bolelli, said it was a honour to partake in the exercise With 650 personnel aboard, and aim to deepen the relationship between both forces and strengthen joint efforts to combat illegal maritime activities in the region.
Captain Bolelli emphasized that the French Navy’s presence in the Gulf of Guinea, particularly in Nigeria, aligns with France’s strategic interest in ensuring freedom of navigation and maritime security, particularly for the approximately 70,000 French citizens in the region.
The three day exercise saw Nigerian Navy deploying a total of five ships, two helicopters, and SBS detachments for the exercise, which includes combined sea maneuvers and amphibious operations in conjunction with the French Navy.
The operation will simulate scenarios to counter piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, and other maritime crimes in the Gulf of Guinea.
Reporting by Mary Fatile