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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.