In Securing the GoG Waters, Exercise Crocodile Lift 2024 Strengthens Maritime Defence, Collaboration

 In a determined effort to bolster maritime security and enhance amphibious warfare capabilities, the Nigerian Navy, in partnership with the French Navy, recently held Exercise Crocodile Lift 2024, a three-day multinational exercise focused on countering piracy, sea robbery, and crude oil theft in the Gulf of Guinea. Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that it featured cutting-edge naval assets, tactical simulations, and coordinated operations, but beyond this, the exercise also underscored the importance of regional collaboration in addressing transnational maritime threats while showcasing the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to fostering a secure and prosperous maritime domain

In what was a showcase of amphibious warfare excellence, the Nigerian Navy (NN) in collaboration with the French Navy, recently concluded the 2024 edition of Exercise Crocodile Lift, a three-day multinational maritime exercise at the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) waters aimed at bolstering amphibious warfare capabilities. 

Launched on November 23, 2024, onboard the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) KADA, at the jetty of the Naval Base Apapa, Lagos, the exercise featured the deployment of cutting-edge naval and air assets, troops, and advanced operational techniques.

This year’s exercise, held in tandem with the French Navy, saw the deployment of the French Mistral-class amphibious assault ship, FS Dixmude, which added an international dimension to the operation, and  

featured simulated amphibious operations aimed at combatting piracy, sea robbery, crude oil theft, and other criminal activities.

The exercise followed closely on the heels of Exercise Grand African Nemo, which focused on Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) operations, underlining the strategic importance of maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.

Critical Demonstration of Nigerian Navy’s Commitment to Maritime Security 

With the deployment of NNS KADA, supported by the DB ABUJA, two Special Boat Service detachments, and two helicopters, the NN demonstrated its commitment to maritime security. While NNS KADA and DBS ABUJA, were commanded by Captain Andrew Zidon and Captain Idongesit Udoessien, respectively, troops from

Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT and Naval Air Base, Ojo, led by its Commanders, Commodore Rafiu Taye Oladejo and Commodore Stephen Ega respectively, provided ground and air support for the exercise. 

According to the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, Exercise Crocodile Lift was a critical demonstration of the NN’s commitment to regional maritime security, showcasing amphibious operations that are crucial for addressing threats within the Gulf of Guinea.

Represented by the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Naval Doctrine Command, Rear Admiral Shehu Gombe, who officially flagged off the exercise, the CNS said it underscored the commitment of the NN and its international partners to safeguarding maritime territories and fostering a thriving blue economy.

He said: “This year’s Crocodile Lift builds upon the success of Exercise Grand African Nemo by focusing on amphibious operation. It offers a unique platform to enhance regional collaboration and develop African-led solutions to trans-border maritime threats.

“The objective of Crocodile Lift 2024 is to ensure freedom of navigation and create a secure maritime domain conducive to legitimate business activities.”

 Rear Admiral Gombe reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s dedication to protecting the country’s maritime territorial integrity, combatting maritime crimes, and fostering a thriving blue economy, just as he said the navy remains committed to building partnerships that advance maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.

Exercise Crocodile Lift

The primary objective of Exercise Crocodile Lift 2024 was to enhance the Nigerian Navy’s lift and beach landing capabilities, critical for supporting amphibious and maritime security operations. 

According to the  Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command (WNC), Rear Admiral Michael Gregory Oamen, the exercise was specifically designed to simulate amphibious operations to counter threats such as piracy, sea robbery, and crude oil theft, which have long plagued the Gulf of Guinea.

Represented by Chief Staff Officer Rear Admiral Abdul Hamid Baba-Inna, emphasized the operational importance of the combined amphibious operation with the French Navy. 

He said: “On our part, we deployed NNS KADA, supported by the DB ABUJA, two Special Boat Service detachments, and two helicopters, while the French Navy deployed FS Dixmude and their amphibious forces.”

The simulation began on November 24, 2024 with a realistic scenario involving notorious sea pirates terrorising Nigeria’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The exercise unfolded with the Nigerian and French naval forces launching coordinated assaults on criminal hideouts, executing troop insertions, and conducting arrests. It concluded with the safe withdrawal of troops, demonstrating seamless interoperability between the two navies.

Strengthening Collaboration

In addition to bolstering maritime security, the exercise  fostered professional exchanges, enhanced interoperability between participating navies, and laid 

the groundwork for future multinational collaborations.

Essentially, Exercise Crocodile Lift underscored the importance of regional and international collaboration in combating transnational maritime threats. 

Corroborating, French Consul-General, Laurent Favier, described the exercise as a testament to the enduring Franco-Nigerian maritime partnership. Our participation reflects France’s commitment to fostering security in the Gulf of Guinea, a region vital to global trade and economic stability.”

“Crocodile Lift symbolizes our shared commitment to maritime security and reinforces the deep ties between our navies,” Favier said, just as he reiterated France’s decade-long support for Nigeria in combating terrorism through intelligence sharing and capacity building. 

In his address at the flag-off ceremony, Vice Admiral Ogalla emphasised the role of partnerships in achieving African-led solutions to security challenges. “This platform provides an invaluable opportunity for participating units, ships, and formations to work together in addressing threats and enhancing maritime security,” he said.

Building Tactical and Operational Proficiency

One of the standout features of Exercise Crocodile Lift was its focus on developing tactical and operational proficiency. Commodore OA Akinbami, the Officer in Tactical Command (OTC), detailed the precision and coordination required to execute the exercise’s complex manoeuvres. He stated, “The exercise provided an excellent platform for our personnel to hone their skills in amphibious operations, ensuring readiness for real-world scenarios.”

This sentiment was echoed by the Commanding Officer of FS Dixmude, who commended the professionalism of Nigerian Navy personnel. “The Nigerian Navy demonstrated exceptional capability and adaptability throughout the exercise. This collaboration sets the stage for future joint operations,” he remarked.

Gains Recorded

The exercise recorded significant gains, both in terms of operational outcomes and strategic insights. Rear Admiral Oamen, in his closing remarks, declared Exercise Crocodile Lift 2024 a resounding success, noting that it achieved its primary objective of enhancing joint operational efficiency and maritime security. 

“This exercise is a testament to our commitment to safeguarding the nation’s maritime domain and ensuring a thriving blue economy for Nigeria,” he said.

Among the key gains were the enhanced tactical coordination which ensured that the seamless execution of joint operations by Nigerian and French forces demonstrated improved tactical coordination, crucial for countering piracy and other maritime crimes.

It also strengthened bilateral relations as the collaboration with the French Navy reinforced Nigeria’s strategic partnerships, paving the way for future joint exercises and training initiatives.

Additionally, it led to improved regional security as the exercise showcased the effectiveness of African-led solutions in addressing trans-border threats, contributing to a safer Gulf of Guinea.

In terms of operational readiness, the successful simulation of amphibious operations validated the Nigerian Navy’s capability to respond to maritime security challenges swiftly and effectively.

Sustaining the Momentum

As Exercise Crocodile Lift 2024 concluded, the debriefing session held on November 25, 2024 provided an opportunity to review the exercise and identify areas for improvement. Senior officers, including Rear Admiral Baba-Inna, Chief Staff Officer (CSO) WEST, who represented the FOC West and Commodore AA Zubairu, Chief Observer of the exercise, shared their insights during the session.

Rear Admiral Oamen assured participants that their feedback would be thoroughly analysed to enhance future operations. He also emphasised the importance of sustaining the momentum generated by the exercise. “We must continue to build on these gains to ensure our maritime domain remains secure, not just for Nigeria, but for the entire region,” he said.

A Blueprint for Future Collaboration

Exercise Crocodile Lift 2024 stands as a blueprint for future collaborative efforts in maritime security. By integrating advanced techniques, fostering partnerships, and addressing real-world threats, the exercise has set a high standard for subsequent iterations.

As Vice Admiral Ogalla aptly stated during the flag-off ceremony, “The Nigerian Navy remains resolute in its mission to protect our maritime environment, ensuring a safe and secure space for legitimate economic activities. Exercises like Crocodile Lift are critical to achieving this vision.”

Indeed, the success of Exercise Crocodile Lift 2024 reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s role as a maritime sentinel, dedicated to safeguarding the nation’s waters and fostering a secure and prosperous Gulf of Guinea, and as the curtains closed on the exercise, it was apparent that Exercise Crocodile Lift 2024 served as a crucial step toward regional maritime stability, strengthening international cooperation, and ensuring a secure environment for economic prosperity in Nigeria and beyond.