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By Philip Nwosu
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has charged officers and men of the newly created Nigerian Navy Marines to brace for difficult operational conditions as they deploy to various theatres across the country.
General Oluyede gave the charge at the graduation ceremony of the first set of Nigerian Navy Marines, describing the development as a strategic step in strengthening Nigeria’s maritime and littoral security architecture.
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He commended the Nigerian Navy for its vigilance across Nigeria’s internal waters, territorial seas, contiguous zones and the Exclusive Economic Zone, noting that the service has continued to project itself as a maritime powerhouse within and beyond the nation’s waters.
The CDS observed that Nigeria faces a complex mix of traditional and asymmetric security challenges that have evolved over time. He explained that the establishment of the Nigerian Navy Marines represents a timely and systematic evolution to bridge the gap between land and sea operations. According to him, the current Navy leadership’s continuity of policies initiated by former Chief of Naval Staff, Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, has enabled the service to record notable successes in the maritime domain. “With the establishment of the Nigerian Navy Marines, it is time to consolidate the gains achieved within the maritime domain,” he said.
General Oluyede urged the Marines to sustain collaboration with sister services, other security agencies, maritime stakeholders, civil authorities and local communities to enhance national security and public confidence. “You have endured rigorous physical conditioning, mental resilience, and advanced tactical exercises aligned with Special Forces Tier Two standards. However, bear in mind that the adversities you will face are adaptive and unconventional in character. Your mettle will be tested, and your resolve will be strained,” he stated.
