To boost security in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG)region, the Nigerian Navy (NN), her French and regional counterparts have launched an amphibious exercise codenamed Crocodile Lift.
Flagged off onboard the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) KADA at the Naval Base in Apapa on Wednesday, the three day multinational exercise would have more than six warships, and over 700 soldiers including 650 from the French Navy, working together in the GoG to stamp out all forms of illegailties.
Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Ikechukwu Ogalla, while flagging off the exercise, said the NN has deployed five warships, two aircrafts and two detachment of elite Special Boats Services (SBS) detachment.
Ogalla, who was represented by the Chief of Naval Transformation, Rear Admiral Monday Unurhiere, said the exercise was a key platform to enhance operational readiness, amphibious warfare capabilities, regional and interagency cooperations.
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“This exercise aims to assess the Nigerian Navy’s capacity for amphibious landing operations and strengthen maritime security efforts in collaboration with allied forces.
“It is designed to enhance our ability to curb threats in our maritime domain, safeguard national resources, and support the Federal Government’s regional security initiatives.
“The Nigerian Navy is 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 sea robbery, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, and other maritime crimes in the GoG.
“The Navy has maintained a zero-piracy record since Nigeria was removed from the list of piracy-prone nations in 2022. This is a result of sustained naval presence, improved surveillance, and exercises like CROCODILE LIFT,” said Ogalla.
The Officer in Tactical Command (OTC) and Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Michael Oamen, said Crocodile Lift was a critical annual capacity-building operation.
“This exercise underscores our commitment to regional cooperation and maritime safety. The Western Naval Command remains fully aligned with the Chief of the Naval Staff’s vision for a safe and secure maritime domain.”
Rear Admiral Oamen reaffirmed the Navy’s resolve to continue implementing both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to deter maritime threats and protect legitimate commercial activities within Nigeria’s waters,” said Oamen.
Speaking on behalf of France, the Commanding Officer, French Landing Helicopter Dock TONNERRE, Captain Arnaud Bolelli,
emphasized that their presence in the region aligned with France’s strategic interest in ensuring freedom of navigation and maritime security, particularly for the approximately 70,000 French citizens in the region.
He confirmed that TONNERRE with its 650 personnel have been in the GoG region on a three month deployment.
“With 650 personnel aboard, we aim to deepen interoperability between our forces and strengthen joint efforts to combat illegal maritime activities in the region.”
