The Nigerian Navy has successfully recruited 1,814 young Nigerians in the past six months to reinforce joint military operations in the Northeast, Niger Delta, and the Gulf of Guinea.
This development was announced by the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, during the passing-out parade of Batch 36 trainees at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers State.
In his address, the CNS highlighted that the newly recruited sailors would be deployed aboard naval warships to engage in critical operations, including counter-insurgency, oil theft prevention, and combating sea piracy.
“Over the years, NNBTS has upheld its mandate to transform qualified civilians into skilled and competent Ratings for the Nigerian Navy,” Ogalla said.
He emphasized that the recruitment of 1,814 new ratings was crucial for securing Nigeria’s maritime environment and ensuring the nation’s economic prosperity.
“They are joining the navy at a time unprecedented efforts are being made to revitalise our fleet, rejig our operations and upgrade our training facilities,” Ogalla added.
The CNS noted that the expansion of the fleet and the improvement of naval operations would yield optimal results with the deployment of capable and well-trained personnel.
He also pointed out the Navy’s active participation in land-based operations across the six geo-political zones in collaboration with other security agencies.
“Our participation in these operations, alongside cooperative efforts with other security and law enforcement agencies, has yielded significant successes in various theatres of operation. These achievements have been made possible by the commitment of our disciplined personnel, equipped with knowledge and skills acquired through rigorous training at our naval institutions,” Ogalla remarked.
The new ratings underwent expert training in combat fitness, weapons handling, boat drills, and both kinetic and non-kinetic operational skills, as part of the Navy’s capacity-building program to address security threats.
Ogalla further emphasized the importance of discipline and obedience, urging the recruits to remain apolitical and loyal to the military and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
“You will soon be deployed aboard ships where you will receive further training on practical aspects, including seamanship, security duties, naval traditions and customs,” the CNS advised.
