The Nigerian Navy has officially launched Exercise CROCODILE LIFT 2025, a large scale multinational maritime security and amphibious exercise, with the deployment of two ships NNS KADA and NNS KANO alongside two Special Boat Service (SBS) detachments and two helicopters.
The flag-off ceremony, held onboard NNS KADA at the Naval Base Apapa, marked the beginning of the four-day exercise taking place from October 7 to 10, 2025. The event was graced by dignitaries from both national and international maritime communities, including representatives from the French Navy.
Representing the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, was Rear Admiral Monday Kohwo Unurhiere, Chief of Transformations at Naval Headquarters. In his keynote address, Vice Admiral Ogalla emphasized the strategic importance of Exercise CROCODILE LIFT, describing it as a key platform to enhance operational readiness, amphibious warfare capabilities, and interagency cooperation.
“This exercise aims to assess the Nigerian Navy’s capacity for amphibious landing operations and strengthen maritime security efforts in collaboration with allied forces,” Ogalla stated. “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 piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, and other maritime crimes in the Gulf of Guinea.
“The Navy has maintained a zero-piracy record since Nigeria was removed from the list of piracy-prone nations in 2022,” the CNS highlighted. “This is a result of sustained naval presence, improved surveillance, and exercises like CROCODILE LIFT.”
Vice Admiral Ogalla also acknowledged the logistical scale and coordination required for an exercise of this magnitude, extending appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, the Minister of Defence, and key security stakeholders for their unwavering support.
Also present at the event was 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,” Captain Bolelli said. “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 emphasized that the French Navy’s presence in the Gulf of Guinea, particularly in Nigeria, aligns with France’s strategic interest in ensuring freedom of navigation and maritime security, particularly for the approximately 70,000 French citizens in the region.
In his welcome address, Rear Admiral Michael Gregory Oamen, Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command and Officer Conducting the Exercise, described CROCODILE LIFT as a critical annual capacity-building operation.
“This exercise underscores our commitment to regional cooperation and maritime safety,” he said. “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.
Exercise CROCODILE LIFT 2025 not only showcases Nigeria’s growing capability in joint maritime operations but also reinforces the importance of international naval cooperation in maintaining peace and stability in the Gulf of Guinea.
With increased naval presence and training, Nigeria has recorded improvements in oil production, shipping activity, and a reduction in maritime crimes, directly impacting the nation’s economy and regional influence.
EXERCISE CROCODILE LIFT 2025: Nigerian Navy Launches Major Amphibious Operation In Lagos
