In a bold display of international military collaboration and maritime might, the Nigerian Navy and the French Navy executed a full scale amphibious simulation at Takwa Bay beachfront as part of Exercise CROCODILE LIFT 2025, a multinational initiative aimed at bolstering maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.
The high octane simulation showcased joint operations involving the French Navy’s Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) Tonnerre, the French Foreign Legion, Nigerian Navy ships NNS KADA and NNS KANO, two naval helicopters, and elite commandos from the Nigerian Navy’s Special Boat Service (SBS).
This amphibious scenario, based on a fictional Pirate Action Group (PAG) hijacking, featured tactical beach landings, hostage rescue operations, rappelling drills, and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC). The simulation culminated in the successful liberation of 16 kidnapped crew members and the dismantling of a simulated pirate camp, reinforcing the navy’s rapid response capabilities.
The acting Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) of the Naval Doctrine Command (NAVDOC), Rear Admiral Ifeanyi Okpala, representing the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, emphasized that Exercise CROCODILE LIFT reflects the Nigerian Navy’s steadfast commitment to international security cooperation and operational readiness.
“This exercise not only strengthens our operational capabilities but also reinforces our commitment to securing the maritime environment in partnership with international allies,” Rear Admiral Okpala said. “It’s a crucial step in improving our interoperability, particularly in dealing with the complex threats in the Gulf of Guinea.”
The French Landing Group Commander, Colonel Brunet, echoed similar sentiments, praising the professionalism of the Nigerian forces and the opportunity to deploy new French military technology in real world maritime environments.
“It’s a great opportunity to train together, deploy new vehicles, and enhance cooperation with a powerful partner like Nigeria,” said Colonel Brunet. “This exercise reflects strong coordination between the navy and army, and shows our shared commitment to peace and security in the Gulf of Guinea.”
Crucially, the exercise also underscores the broader Government of Nigeria (GoG) strategy to safeguard its blue economy and territorial waters. With active participation and presence of NIMASA (Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency) represented by Mr. Jibril Abba, Executive Director of Maritime Labour & Cabotage Services, the joint simulation reinforces civil-military cooperation in maritime governance and enforcement.
NIMASA’s involvement signals a unified front in the war against piracy, smuggling, and other transnational maritime crimes threatening the Gulf of Guinea’s strategic waterways.
Notable dignitaries and observers included: Capt. John Smith, Royal Marines, Commander Stephane Congues, Naval Advisor & Deputy Defence Attaché, French Embassy, Brigadier General Clement Iyere, represented the Commander Nigerian Corps of Signals, Brigadier General Matthew Oyekola, Commander, 9 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Mrs. Archie-Abia Ibinabo, Assistant Commander General Narcotics NDLEA, Commodore A. Mohammed, Command Operations Officer, Western Naval Command, Commodore Paul Ponfa Nimmyel, Commander NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Hyacinth Nwaka, Command Admin Officer Western Naval Command, The Commander of the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service (SBS) Captain Andrew Zidon acting as Commander Landing Force with Rear Admiral Mohammed Katsina Fleet Commander West acting as Officer in Tactical Command Onboard NNS KADA including the Commanding Officer of NNS KADA Captain Ali Ejeh, Commander Abdulrashid Ahmed, Information Officer Western Naval Command amongst others.
The event concluded with a ceremonial exchange of souvenirs and group photographs, marking the end of the amphibious phase of the exercise.
Exercise CROCODILE LIFT 2025 continues to reinforce Nigeria’s resolve to secure its maritime domain, combat regional threats, and foster enduring partnerships with global allies like France paving the way for a safer, more secure Gulf of Guinea.
THUNDER ON THE SHORE: Nigerian And French Navies Join Forces In High impact Amphibious Assault Simulation For Exercise CROCODILE LIFT 2025
