The Egyptian Navy is in Nigeria on a “cross-attachment programme” that would advance the Nigerian Navy’s indigenous shipbuilding capacity and maritime special operations capability.
Nigeria Navy Spokesperson, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said in a statement on Friday that this would be achieved through a strategic engagement with a delegation from the Egyptian Navy Special Forces Brigade who are in Nigeria for the programme.
According to a statement by Captain Folorunsho, “as part of the visit, the delegation was hosted at Naval Dockyard Limited (NDL), Lagos, where they were briefed on the Dockyard’s activities and capabilities in depot maintenance, ship design and construction.
“The engagement featured technical discussions and a guided tour of key facilities, providing a platform for both navies to exchange knowledge and deepen collaboration in indigenous shipbuilding and sustainment.”
The statement added that as part of the cross-attachment programme, the delegation also participated in intensive joint training activities with the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service (NNSBS), focusing on advanced operational areas including maritime interdiction, Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS), and hostage rescue operations.
The training featured complex tactical scenarios involving coordinated insertions and real-time operational simulations, as well as structured debrief sessions where both sides exchanged operational insights and best practices.
The combined engagements underscore the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to building a technologically capable, combat-ready force through strategic partnerships and capacity development.
The statement noted that “these initiatives align with the vision of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, to strengthen indigenous capabilities, enhance operational effectiveness and deepen defence diplomacy. The Nigerian Navy remains resolute in its drive to project maritime power, foster regional cooperation and safeguard Nigeria’s maritime interests.”
