The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command, Rear Adm. Michael Oamen, on Monday described Exercise Crocodile Lift 2024 a huge success with regard to capacity building of naval personnel.
Oamen said this during debriefing on Exercise Crocodile Lift 2024 which was flagged off on Saturday by the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, onboard Nigerian Navy Ship KADA.
The event took place at the Western Naval Command, Lagos.
The FOC said that the exercise was a partnership between the Nigerian Navy and French Navy to improve training at sea so that the territorial waters and the Gulf of Guinea would be well-secure.
“In the past few days, we have trained our men to sharpen their skills in amphibian operations and sea lift evolution.
“This is the major responsibility of the Nigerian Navy in addition to other maritime security operations that we do in our local and international waters.
“We are glad with the result, and we look forward to the next one.
“We will continually improve and develop ourselves so that when called upon to deliver, we will,” he said.
Oamen said that training with international partners had helped Nigerian Navy.
“It makes it easier, during real time situation, to coordinate security operations when called upon.
“The major objective of the exercise is for us to develop the capacity of our men to train well and become more proficient so that we can discharge our duties.
“The Gulf of Guinea is a strategic seaplane of communication particularly for shipping, and once it is secure, maritime businesses will move freely, and this will improve our economy,” he said.
The FOC said that Nigerian Navy was at the forefront of ensuring topnotch security at the Gulf of Guinea, adding that it necessitated collaboration with international partners to develop the capacity of the personnel.
“We reassure the public that, with the support of the government, the navy is poised to discharge its responsibilities in our maritime environment to ensure our economic survival is guaranteed,” Oamen said.