The Nigerian Navy and the French Navy have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening maritime security cooperation in the Gulf of Guinea through joint exercises, operational engagements and the exchange of professional expertise.
The commitment was highlighted during the port call of the French Navy’s Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) Mistral at the Western Naval Command Headquarters in Lagos, where the Flag Officer Commanding, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, received the French delegation on behalf of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas.
Mustapha described the visit as a demonstration of France’s determination to consolidate its longstanding naval relationship with Nigeria, noting that both countries had continued to work together to address maritime threats and promote security in the Gulf of Guinea.
He identified Exercise Grand African Nemo, a multinational maritime security exercise organised by the French Navy, as one of the major platforms for cooperation between the two countries. He also highlighted their participation in other international exercises, including Exercise Obangame Express.
The FOC further noted that France’s involvement in the European Union’s Coordinated Maritime Presence initiative in the Gulf of Guinea supported regional efforts to implement the Yaoundé Architecture and its Code of Conduct. According to him, these initiatives complement Nigeria’s maritime security strategy and strengthen collective efforts against criminal activities at sea.
He disclosed that Nigerian and French naval personnel had undertaken training at the Nigerian Navy’s Special Boat Service camp over the preceding week, focusing on different maritime security scenarios. Additional drills and operational exercises were planned to improve personnel proficiency and enhance their capacity to respond to maritime crimes.
Speaking during the visit, Captain Gauthier Guillauat, commander of LHD Mistral, said the French Navy was in the Gulf of Guinea to deepen cooperation with regional partners and address shared maritime security challenges.
Guillauat described France and Nigeria as maritime neighbours whose geographical proximity made cooperation essential. He said the French Navy had conducted Operations in the region for 36 years and remained committed to working with the Nigerian Navy through joint activities, operational training and the exchange of experience.
The French naval commander praised the Nigerian Navy’s capabilities and said his personnel were eager to learn from Nigeria’s operational experience in the Gulf of Guinea. He added that the port call would be followed by further engagements, including a joint exercise designed to strengthen maritime security cooperation.
Guillauat expressed appreciation for the reception accorded his crew in Lagos, reaffirming France’s commitment to continued collaboration with Nigeria. Mustapha, in turn, said the exercises would provide both navies with opportunities to evaluate their performance, identify lessons and improve operational effectiveness, stressing that regular training during peacetime was essential to preparing personnel for future security challenges.