French Military Command Visits Nigerian Navy Chief, Seeks Deeper Maritime Security Cooperation
On Tuesday, January 27, 2026, the Commander of the West and Central French African Command, Major General Pascal Ianni, alongside the National Coordinator of Nigeria’s National Counter-Terrorism Centre, Major General A.G. Laka, and members of their delegation, paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas (Admiralty Medal).
The visit aimed at strengthening existing defence and maritime security cooperation between the Nigerian Navy and the French Armed Forces, while also exploring opportunities for deeper collaboration in maritime domain awareness, capacity development, training, and regional security initiatives within the Gulf of Guinea.
Speaking during the visit, Major General Ianni described Nigeria as a key and reliable partner in efforts to counter transnational security threats and enhance maritime safety across the Gulf of Guinea. He stressed the importance of sustained engagement with African partners, noting that collective action, shared understanding, and coordinated strategies remain essential for achieving lasting security in the region. He reaffirmed his Command’s commitment to strengthening partnerships in pursuit of shared security objectives.
In his response, Vice Admiral Abbas thanked the delegation for the visit and highlighted the importance of continuous professional engagement and cooperation. He underscored the need to deepen operational expertise and institutional collaboration to ensure a safer maritime environment in the Gulf of Guinea.
The Chief of the Naval Staff also acknowledged the long-standing partnership between the Nigerian Navy and the French Navy, particularly through joint exercises such as Exercise CROCODILE LIFT, which he said have been instrumental in enhancing interoperability and reinforcing maritime security across the region.
French Military Command Visits Nigerian Navy Chief, Seeks Deeper Maritime Security Cooperation