# Amphibious Exercise Crocodile Lift 2024 underway

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2024/12/amphibious-exercise-crocodile-lift-2024-underway/
- Published: 2024-12-02T09:32:18+01:00
- Author: Ekene Lionel and Military Africa

The Nigerian Navy has commenced the 2024 edition of Exercise Crocodile Lift, a collaborative
effort with the French Navy, which has brought a Mistral-class amphibious warfare
vessel to participate. The three-day exercise was officially launched by Rear Admiral
Shehu Gombe, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Naval Doctrine Command, at Naval 
Base Apapa.

![](https://www.military.africa/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/exercise-crocodile-lift-
1024x683.jpg)

![](https://www.military.africa/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/exercise-crocodile-lift--
1024x683.jpg)

![](https://www.military.africa/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/exercise-crocodile-lift-
2024-scaled.jpg)

![](https://www.military.africa/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/exercise-crocodile-lift-
24-1024x683.jpg)

Exercise Crocodile Lift follows closely on the heels of [Exercise Grand African Nemo](https://www.military.africa/2024/11/exercise-grand-african-nemo-underway/)(
4-12 December), which was also organized with significant input from the French 
Navy. Rear Admiral Gombe highlighted the different focuses of the exercises, stating,“
While Ex Grand African Nemo primarily focused on Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure(
VBSS) operations and legal resolutions, Crocodile Lift is designed to enhance amphibious
warfare capabilities. This aligns with our vision of fostering a safe and secure
region for shared prosperity and development.”

The exercise provides an invaluable platform for participating units, ships, and
formations to achieve their objectives. Rear Admiral Gombe emphasized that the exercise
also presents an opportunity for partners with a shared understanding of security
objectives to deploy African-led solutions to transborder threats and enhance regional
security.

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He reiterated the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to combating maritime crimes, stating,“
The Nigerian Navy remains resolute in the sustained fight against crude oil theft,
piracy, illicit trafficking, and other maritime crimes, which is part of our policing
role. Furthermore, being the nation’s maritime sentinel, we remain relentless in
the task of fostering a safe and secure maritime environment that engenders a thriving
blue economy for enhanced prosperity for all Nigerians.”

Rear Admiral Monday Oamen, Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command (
WNC), stated that the objective of this year’s exercise is to create a safe and 
secure maritime domain through the simulation of amphibious operations aimed at 
safeguarding the Gulf of Guinea against piracy, sea robbery, crude oil theft, and
other forms of criminality.

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During this year’s exercise, the Nigerian Navy will conduct a combined amphibious
operation in collaboration with the French Navy. The Nigerian Navy will deploy two
ships ([NNS Kada](https://www.military.africa/2022/05/nns-kada-arrives-nigeria/)
supported by [DB Abuja](https://www.military.africa/2020/05/nigerias-deep-blue-project-bolstered-with-new-equipment/)),
two Special Boat Service detachments, and two helicopters. The French Navy has also
committed to the exercise with the participation of the [Mistral-class amphibious assault ship and helicopter carrie](https://www.military.africa/2023/10/french-navy-mistral-amphibious-assault-ship-in-nigeria/)
r, Dixmude, which arrived in Lagos on 21 November.

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Exercise Crocodile Lift 2024 represents a significant step in enhancing the amphibious
warfare capabilities of the Nigerian Navy and strengthening international cooperation
to secure the maritime domain of the Gulf of Guinea. The exercise underscores the
commitment of both the Nigerian and French Navies to ensuring maritime security 
and stability in the region.

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