Nigeria Inducts First Navy Marines as Defence Chiefs Hail Boost to Maritime Security

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

The Nigerian Navy has inducted its first set of 328 Marines, marking a significant expansion of Nigeria’s maritime and amphibious security capability.

The personnel completed the Basic Marines Qualifying Course 1, a six-month elite programme launched in August 2025 to produce a light infantry and special operations–capable force trained for land, jungle, riverine and amphibious warfare. The graduates, codenamed the “Bushmen”, were inducted into the Nigerian Navy Marines under the Navy’s Special Operations Command.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony on Friday, the Chief of Defence Staff said the creation of the Marines was a timely response to evolving threats in the Gulf of Guinea, including maritime crime, terrorism and kidnapping. He said the force would help bridge land and sea operations, strengthen protection of coastal communities and safeguard Nigeria’s oil and gas assets, while urging close collaboration with other services, security agencies and local communities.

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, described the Marines as a key pillar of the Navy’s special operations capability, designed to secure riverine corridors, dominate littoral spaces and support inland missions linked to maritime threats. He said the new force would operate closely with the Navy’s Special Boat Service to deliver precision operations across Nigeria’s maritime domain.

Earlier, the Commandant of the Nigerian Navy Marine Training Centre, Commodore Olayinka Ayodele Aliu, said the trainees had undergone rigorous physical, mental and tactical training, culminating in joint operational exercises to test combat readiness and discipline.

Both service chiefs acknowledged the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and international partners, while commending instructors and staff for laying the foundation of the new force. The graduates were urged to uphold discipline, professionalism and loyalty as they begin operational duties under the Armed Forces of Nigeria.