The three-day multinational maritime security and amphibious exercise by the Nigerian and French Navies, Exercise CROCODILE LIFT 2025 has ended.
Five ships, two helicopters, and detachments of the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service (NNSBS) in collaboration with its French counterpart were deployed for the exercise.
The flag-off ceremony was held onboard Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) KADA at the Naval Base, Apapa, Lagos. Conducted under the auspices of the Western Naval Command, it was aimed at strengthening maritime security and amphibious warfare capabilities in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG).
A similar three-day exercise, Crocodile Lift 2024, focused on countering piracy, sea robbery and crude oil theft in the Gulf of Guinea.
Declaring the 2025 edition of the exercise open on Wednesday, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, represented by Rear Admiral Monday Kohwo Unurhiere, Chief of Transformations, Naval Headquarters, highlighted the strategic significance of the exercise in boosting operational readiness and regional collaboration.
According to him: “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.”
He reaffirmed that the exercise demonstrates the Navy’s continuous commitment to operational efficiency, international collaboration, and maritime safety, while improving synergy with allied navies.
“I am confident that the exercise will positively impact our readiness for amphibious landing and combat operations, as well as expose other maritime agencies to the benefits of inter-agency cooperation,” he said.
Vice Admiral Ogalla further emphasised that sustained exercises such as CROCODILE LIFT have contributed 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. This is a result of sustained naval presence, improved surveillance, and exercises like CROCODILE LIFT,” he added.
The event drew participants from the French Navy, including Captain Arnaud Bolelli, Commanding Officer of the French Landing Helicopter Dock TONNERRE, which is currently on a three-month deployment in the Gulf of Guinea.
“We are honoured to participate in Exercise CROCODILE LIFT 2025. With 650 personnel aboard, we aim to deepen interoperability between our forces and strengthen joint efforts to combat illegal maritime activities in the region,” he said.
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.
The flag-off was attended by senior officers from sister services, heads of government agencies, and paramilitary organisations, all underscoring the interagency cooperation vital to securing Nigeria’s maritime environment.
