Nigerian and French naval forces recently concluded Exercise Crocodile Lift 2025, a multinational operation aimed at enhancing maritime security and joint operational capability in the Gulf of Guinea. The exercise culminated in a full-scale amphibious assault simulation at Takwa Bay beachfront, testing interoperability against regional maritime threats.
The scenario involved a fictional Pirate Action Group hijacking, tasking the combined forces with rescuing 16 kidnapped crew members and dismantling a simulated pirate camp. The operation included tactical beach landings, helicopter rappelling for troop insertion, hostage rescue drills, and medical evacuation procedures.
France deployed its Mistral-class Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) Tonnerre (L9014), a 21,500-tonne amphibious assault ship carrying helicopters, landing craft, and embarked troops, including French Foreign Legion units. Nigeria contributed five warships, notably the NNS Kada, a Damen LST 100 Landing Ship Tank, and the NNS Kano, an offshore patrol vessel, supported by two naval helicopters and the Special Boat Service (SBS) commandos leading the assault.
Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of Naval Staff, hailed the exercise as a success, reinforcing synergy between Nigerian and French forces. Rear Admiral Monday Unurhiere highlighted that the exercise assessed fleet readiness for complex amphibious operations. Rear Admiral Michael Oamen, Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, emphasised the operation’s demonstration of Nigeria’s commitment to regional cooperation and maritime threat deterrence.
French commanders also underscored the strategic importance of the exercise. Captain Arnaud Bolelli, Commanding Officer of Tonnerre, confirmed that 650 French personnel participated, reinforcing military cooperation and France’s broader goal of ensuring freedom of navigation and safeguarding citizens under Mission Corymbe, France’s near-permanent Gulf of Guinea naval presence.
The exercise reflects recent regional security gains. The Nigerian Navy has maintained zero piracy incidents, contributing to Nigeria’s removal from the International Maritime Bureau’s piracy-prone countries list in 2022. Sustained naval presence, enhanced surveillance, and increased cooperation, reinforced by exercises like Crocodile Lift, continue to bolster maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.
