Russia and Nigeria hold joint naval drills (VIDEO)
Russian Baltic Fleet training ship the Perekop has conducted joint naval maneuvers with Nigerian forces before arriving in Benin as part of its ongoing voyage around Africa, the Russian military has reported.
The exercises took place after the vessel completed a visit to Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city, according to the Baltic Fleet press service, as cited by TASS on Monday. The two-day drills involved the Nigerian Navy patrol vessel Deep Blue Abuja and an AW-139 helicopter.
The crews practiced coordinated ship movements and navigation safety procedures, exchanging experience in managing maritime operations, the Russian military said. The training focused on maintaining safe distances between vessels and coordinating their movements at sea.
Following the exercises, the Perekop sailed to Cotonou, Benin’s largest city. Cultural, sporting, and official events are planned during the ship’s stay, according to TASS.
The maneuvers followed talks between Russian and Nigerian naval officials in Lagos on November 6. Rear Admiral A.A. Mustapha, commander of Nigeria’s Western Naval Command, received a delegation led by Russian Rear Admiral Vyacheslav Borisovich Sytnik at the command’s headquarters in Apapa, according to a statement published by the Nigerian Navy.
“Discussions focused on naval training, professional development and possible joint training activities, with emphasis on practical learning and the exchange of maritime experiences between personnel of both navies,” the Nigerian Navy said.
The Russian delegation also expressed appreciation for the reception and acknowledged the importance of naval visits in strengthening professional contacts, according to the Nigerian military.
The Perekop is undertaking a long-distance training voyage that has included several African ports. Earlier in November, the ship visited Douala in Cameroon. In October, the vessel docked at Walvis Bay in Namibia after visiting Mozambique, Tanzania, and Seychelles. During the voyage, cadets from the Baltic Naval Institute have practiced navigation, ship handling, and damage control, the Russian Defense Ministry said.
The training mission is scheduled to conclude on December 9, 2026, after visiting 20 ports, including 12 outside Russia.
