The Commander of the West and Central French African Command, Major General Pascal Ianni, alongside the National Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Major General A.G. Laka, and members of their delegation, has paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas (Admiralty Medal), with a view to strengthening defence and maritime security cooperation.
The visit focused on reinforcing the existing partnership between the Nigerian Navy and the French Armed Forces, while exploring opportunities for deeper collaboration in areas of mutual interest.
These include maritime domain awareness, capacity development, training, and coordinated regional security efforts within the Gulf of Guinea.
Speaking during the visit, Major General Ianni described Nigeria as a key and dependable partner in ongoing efforts to counter transnational security threats and enhance maritime safety in the Gulf of Guinea.
He stressed the importance of sustained engagement with African partners, noting that collective action, shared understanding, and coordinated initiatives are essential to achieving lasting security across the region. He further reaffirmed his Command’s commitment to strengthening partnerships in pursuit of shared security objectives.
In his response, Vice Admiral Abbas expressed appreciation to the visiting delegation and highlighted the value of continued professional engagement and cooperation.
He emphasised the need to strengthen operational expertise and institutional collaboration to ensure a safer and more secure maritime environment in the Gulf of Guinea.
The Chief of the Naval Staff also acknowledged the long-standing relationship between the Nigerian Navy and the French Navy, highlighting joint exercises such as Exercise CROCODILE LIFT as critical platforms for enhancing interoperability and sustaining maritime security in the region.
