The Nigerian Navy, under the leadership of Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, has launched the third edition of its French-facilitated maritime exercise, ‘CROCODILE LIFT 2024’, aimed at enhancing the Navy’s amphibious operations capabilities.
The event, held on Saturday aboard the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) KADA at the Western Naval Command in Lagos, shows Navy’s commitment to strengthening regional security. Vice Admiral Ogalla, represented by Rear Admiral Shehu Gombe, Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Naval Doctrine Command, highlighted the significance of the exercise as a step towards ensuring a safer maritime environment for economic growth and development.
According to Vice Admiral Ogalla, CROCODILE LIFT 2024 complements the recently concluded Exercise Grand African NEMO, but with a focus on amphibious operations rather than Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) activities.
“This exercise is tailored to enhance amphibious skills and foster collaboration among stakeholders with shared security objectives, implementing African-led solutions to cross-border maritime challenges,” Ogalla stated.
He urged participating ships, units, and formations to leverage the exercise to strengthen their operational capabilities and achieve the set objectives.
Vice Admiral Ogalla reiterated the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to ensuring the security of Nigeria’s maritime environment and fostering regional cooperation.
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“The recently concluded Exercise Grand African NEMO 2024 demonstrated the collaborative efforts of the Nigerian Navy, regional allies, and international partners in enhancing maritime security. The Navy will continue to maintain its professionalism and dedication to securing our waters,” he said.
The CNS also emphasized the importance of continued training and collaboration with foreign partners, stressing that partnerships are vital for addressing emerging maritime security challenges.
Ogalla encouraged all participants, including ships, units, and personnel, to remain focused and professional throughout the exercise to achieve its objectives.
“Our foreign partners and the men and officers of the Nigerian Navy remain invaluable assets. Together, we will continue to prioritize training and collaboration to safeguard Nigeria’s maritime domain effectively,” he concluded.
The CROCODILE LIFT exercise not only strengthens the Navy’s amphibious warfare skills but also fosters regional cooperation and reinforces Nigeria’s position as a key player in maritime security across the Gulf of Guinea.
