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Nigerian Navy, French Forces Conclude Exercise Crocodile Lift 2025, Strengthening Gulf of Guinea Security
Nigerian Navy, French Forces Conclude Exercise Crocodile Lift 2025, Strengthening Gulf of Guinea Security
LAGOS – The Nigerian Navy has successfully completed Exercise Crocodile Lift 2025, a major multinational maritime operation conducted in collaboration with the French Navy, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to securing the Gulf of Guinea against emerging maritime threats.
The three-day joint amphibious exercise, flagged off on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, aboard Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Kada at the Naval Base in Apapa, Lagos, brought together over 700 military personnel, including 650 from the French Navy, to conduct coordinated sea-to-shore operations and combat simulations.
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, represented by Rear Admiral Monday Kohwo Unurhiere, Chief of Transformations at Naval Headquarters, disclosed that the Nigerian Navy deployed five warships, two helicopters, and elite detachments from the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service (SBS) for the exercise.
The French contingent arrived aboard the Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) Tonnerre, currently on a three-month deployment in the Gulf of Guinea, with Captain Arnaud Bolelli commanding the operation. Additional French assets included the French Foreign Legion and seven Mine-Resistant, Ambush-Protected armoured vehicles.
“We are honoured to participate in Exercise Crocodile Lift 2025,” Captain Bolelli stated during the flag-off ceremony. “With 650 personnel aboard, we aim to deepen interoperability between our forces and strengthen joint efforts to combat illegal maritime activities in the region.”
According to Vice Admiral Ogalla, the exercise was designed to assess the Nigerian Navy’s capacity to conduct amphibious landing operations, enhance personnel training, and improve inter-agency cooperation against maritime security threats.
The operation featured a realistic simulation involving a fictional Pirate Action Group (PAG) that hijacked a merchant tanker and abducted 16 crew members. The combined task force executed coordinated beach landings, hostage rescue operations, rappelling drills, and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) procedures at Takwa Bay beachfront.
The Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command and Officer Conducting the Exercise, Rear Admiral Michael Oamen, emphasized that Exercise Crocodile Lift is a critical annual capacity-building operation organized by countries of the Gulf of Guinea under the auspices of the French Commander-in-Chief for the Atlantic.
“This exercise underscores our commitment to regional cooperation and maritime safety,” Rear Admiral Oamen said. “The operation will simulate scenarios to counter sea robbery, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, and other maritime crimes in the Gulf of Guinea.”
Vice Admiral Ogalla highlighted the strategic significance of the exercise in boosting operational readiness and regional collaboration, noting that sustained operations like Crocodile Lift have contributed significantly to Nigeria’s improved maritime security record.
“The Navy has maintained a zero-piracy record since Nigeria was removed from the list of piracy-prone nations in 2022,” he stated. “This achievement is the result of sustained naval presence, improved surveillance, and exercises like Crocodile Lift.”
He further noted that reports from regional maritime awareness centres have shown improvement in legitimate shipping activities and a reduction in crime across Nigerian waters, alongside a rise in oil production figures.
The exercise also saw participation from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), represented by Mr. Jibril Abba, Executive Director of Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, reinforcing civil-military cooperation in maritime governance.
Other dignitaries present included representatives from the Royal Marines, the French Embassy’s Naval Advisor and Deputy Defence Attaché Commander Stephane Congues, senior officers from the Nigerian Army, and officials from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Commanding Officer of the French Landing Force, Colonel Brunet, described the collaboration as vital for training with a capable regional partner and testing advanced operational equipment in real maritime conditions.
“Beyond the tactical success, this exercise is about shared values and mutual respect,” Colonel Brunet said. “France recognises Nigeria’s leadership in promoting maritime safety in the Gulf of Guinea, and we are proud to stand alongside the Nigerian Navy in strengthening the collective security of the region.”
He added that France’s continued naval engagement in West Africa reflects its strategic commitment to maritime security and the safety of more than 70,000 French citizens living in the Gulf of Guinea region.
Vice Admiral Ogalla commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Defence, and the Minister of State for Defence for their continued support to the Nigerian Navy. He also expressed appreciation to the Chief of Defence Staff, other Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, and heads of security agencies for their cooperation.
“Huge logistics, robust planning, and effective coordination are required to put together an exercise of this magnitude,” the Naval Chief said.
The exercise concluded with a ceremonial exchange of souvenirs and group photographs at Takwa Bay, marking the successful completion of the amphibious phase of Exercise Crocodile Lift 2025.
Vice Admiral Ogalla expressed confidence that the operation would positively impact the Navy’s readiness for amphibious landing and combat operations while exposing other maritime agencies to the benefits of inter-agency cooperation.
“This exercise demonstrates the Navy’s continuous commitment to operational efficiency, international collaboration, and maritime safety,” he said. “It will enhance our ability to curb threats in our maritime domain, safeguard national resources, and support the Federal Government’s regional security initiatives.”
Through Exercise Crocodile Lift 2025, Nigeria and France have reaffirmed their joint resolve to secure maritime trade routes, enhance regional stability, and strengthen the capacity of naval forces operating in the strategically vital Gulf of Guinea waters.
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SWAAADO Intensifies Waterways Safety Sensitization Campaign to Waterfront Communities in Lagos State.
SWAAADO Intensifies Waterways Safety Sensitization Campaign to Waterfront Communities in Lagos State.
130 Persons, Including Boat Drivers, Fishermen, Community Leaders and Everyday Waterway Users, Participate as Organization Plans Free Training and Licensing for Boat Skippers
Thursday 12th of February 2026, Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos State
Sustainable Waterways Awareness Advancement and Advocacy Organization (SWAAADO), has expanded its ongoing waterways safety sensitization campaign to three communities on Onisiwo Island in Onisiwo Kingdom, Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State.
The comprehensive safety awareness program, which covered Ilufemiloye, Irede, and Igbayilola Tie-Gate Communities, attracted 130 participants comprising boat users, fishermen and boat skippers who engaged in robust discussions on waterways safety understanding and knowledge.
Chief Emmanuel Omotayo, the Baale of Ilufemiloye Community, who attended the occasion, expressed satisfaction with the initiative, noting the visible joy on the faces of community participants. “We need more of this sensitization campaign in our kingdom,” the community leader stated.
Comprehensive Safety Education
Chief Raymond Gold, SWAAADO’s Head of Desk, Corporate Communication and Strategy, took participants through an extensive waterways safety sensitization program, educating them on critical safety measures required when boarding and disembarking from boats.
Chief Gold unveiled SWAAADO’s ambitious plans for waste management in waterfront communities, emphasizing the detrimental effects that the dumping of household waste on our waterways, could have on aquatic life. He also announced the organization’s groundbreaking initiative to provide free training and licensing for boat skippers while listing them on SWAAADO’s Nigeria Waterways Directory platform – a move designed to bring boat operators into the oversight framework of maritime regulatory agencies.
Partnership for Seamless Training
Mrs. Ada Okpanige Agbo, representing SWYRE Marine, a NIMASA-accredited training institution, gave details on the need for every boat skipper to be trained and licensed urging participants to avail themselves of the opportunity that SWAAADO provides. She confirmed that SWYRE Marine has partnered with SWAAADO to ensure seamless training and licensing of boat skippers.
Engr. Shittu Oladimeji of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) stressed the importance of constant safety consciousness while highlighting the agency’s ongoing efforts in sensitizing waterways users about safety compliance. He announced LASWA’s readiness to support community waterways safety volunteers and requested the compilation of names for official registration and training in preparation for engagement
Industry Stakeholders Endorse Initiative
Comrade Osaweren O. Larry, representing the Lagos Commercial Private Boat District of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, described the SWAAADO’s Nigeria Waterways Directory concept as “a game changer” in the nation’s waterways industry. He noted that the platform would would instil discipline in the sector by listing all stakeholders with verifiable data and providing mechanisms to blacklist erring participants.
“The burden of safety on our waterways is a shared responsibility,” Larry emphasized, calling on regulatory agencies to partner with SWAAADO in addressing major challenges facing the maritime sector.
Engr. Gimada of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) delivered what observers described as a fantastic safety message, further reinforcing the importance of waterways safety education.
Chief Femi Alade, the Baale of Irede Community, also addressing the gathering, advising both passengers and boat skippers to maintain safety consciousness at all times.
Life Vests Distribution
The sensitization campaign ended with the distribution of life vests to the two jetties serving the three communities, providing essential safety equipment to enhance passenger protection on the waterways.
SWAAADO’s waterways safety campaign is supported by Simtop International Limited, Best-Time Global Logistics and Solutions Ltd., Waterways Integrated Synergy Limited, and SWYRE Marine, whose collective commitment continues to drive safety awareness across Lagos State waterfront communities.
The organization’s multi-faceted approach – combining education, free training, licensing, and regulatory integration – represents a comprehensive strategy to enhance safety standards and formalize operations in Nigeria’s inland waterways sector.
*For more information about SWAAADO’s waterways safety initiatives and upcoming training programs, community members and boat operators are encouraged to contact the organization through its official channels.*
SWAAADO Launches 2026 Waterways Safety Sensitization Campaign in Lagos Waterfront Communities
Onisiwo Island, Lagos State
– The Sustainable Waterways Awareness Advancement and Advocacy Organization (SWAAADO), supported by key industry stakeholders, today conducted a comprehensive waterways safety sensitization campaign at Bishop-Kodji and Whala-Kodji communities on Onisiwo Island, Lagos. The event brought together over 120 community members and representatives from key maritime regulatory agencies.
The event, tagged “Waterways Safety Sensitization Campaign for Waterfront Communities and Waterways Users in Lagos State,” drew participation from the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), SWYRE Marine, and the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN).
The campaign is supported by key industry leaders committed to advancing waterways safety across Nigeria. Supporting organizations include Simtop Ventures International Limited, Best-Time Global Logistics and Solutions Ltd, SWYRE Marine, Waterways Integrated Synergy Limited, and Nigeria Waterways Directory, demonstrating strong private sector commitment to maritime safety advocacy.
Chief Raymond Gold, Head of Corporate Communication and Strategy at SWAAADO, unveiled the organization’s ambitious plan to train 5,000 boat skippers across Nigeria’s eight coastal states and five inland states. Lagos State will account for 300 trainees, while the other seven coastal states will receive 200 trainees each, with the remaining slots distributed among the five inland states.
“This initiative was born out of the tragic boat mishaps that happened in the mid northern part of the country, where many lives were lost due to lack of waterways safety awareness,” Chief Gold explained during the event.
SWAAADO’s intervention follows extensive research into the root causes of recurrent boat accidents across Nigerian waterways. The organization has developed a multi-pronged approach that includes community awareness campaigns, professional training for boat operators, and the creation of a regulatory support platform.
Central to this strategy is the Nigeria Waterways Directory (www.nigeriawaterwaysdirectory.com), an online publication that is registered with the National Library (EISSN: 3122-0045). The platform is designed to list trained and certified boat operators while providing regulatory authorities with the capability to blacklist non-compliant operators.
Engr. Sola Fumilugba delivered a lecture on waterways safety codes and enforcement, emphasizing the critical need for boat operators to obtain proper licensing. His presentation highlighted regulatory requirements that many operators currently overlook.
Mr. Shittu Oladimeji, representing LASWA, outlined the Lagos State Government’s ongoing efforts to ensure waterways safety and urged all waterways users to maintain constant safety consciousness.
Mrs. Ada Okpanige Agbo of SWYRE Marine, a NIMASA-accredited training institution (ATI) and key partner of the initiative, stressed on the importance of professional training, certification and licensing for boat skippers, explaining the standards required for proper licensing.
Comrade Owolabi Omotayo, newly elected Chairman of Lagos Commercial Private Boat District of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria-MWUN, provided candid advice to boat workers on safety compliance and licensing requirements before operating vessels.
Comrade Osaweren O. Larry, representing the Waterfront Boat Owners and Transporters Association of Nigeria (WABOTAN), reinforced the message of safety code compliance while clarifying the distinct roles of the Maritime Workers Union and various boat owners associations.
The sensitization campaign concluded with concrete results: five waterways safety volunteers were identified for interviews and subsequent training, life jackets were distributed to attendees, and campaign materials were shared among all participants.
The event represents a significant step in SWAAADO’s broader mission to reduce waterways accidents through education, training, and improved regulatory compliance across Nigerian waterways, bolstered by the commitment of its industry partners.
For more information about SWAAADO’s initiatives, visit www.swaaado.org
For information on how to list your business or skill on the Nigeria Waterways Directory visit www.nigeriawaterwaysdirectory.com
Supporting Partners: Simtop International Limited | Best-Time Global Logistics and Solutions Ltd | SWYRE Marine | Waterways Integrated Synergy Limited | Nigeria Waterways Directory
SWAAADO Holds Community Waterways Safety Sensitization Campaign in Bishop Kodji Community Tomorrow.
Sustainable Waterways Awareness Advancement and Advocacy Organization aka SWAAADO, a non-profit organization advocating for safe and sustainable waterways is set to hold a community waterways safety sensitization campaign tomorrow Thursday 29 of January 2026.
The venue is the community field at Bishop Kodji community within Onisiwo Kingdom, Snake Island, along the Badagry Creek Apapa, Lagos. According to a public statement made available by Chief Raymond Gold, SWAAADO’s corporate communication director, this event is part of the organization’s sensitization campaign for waterfront communities and waterways users in Lagos state. The events are being held in collaboration with Waterfront Boat Owners and Transporters Association of Nigeria WABOTAN, and in partnership with NIMASA, NIWA and LASWA, Chief Raymond Gold stated. Highlights of the events include distribution of waterways safety information materials, waterways safety gadgets and setting up of Community Waterways Safety Volunteers. Details of this and other forth coming events are available on SWAAADO’s website; www.swaaado.org
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