Odita Sunday 
COAS Unveils Memorial for 11 Fallen NDA Cadets, Says Their Sacrifice Will Never Be Forgotten
By Odita Sunday
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General W. Shuaibu, on Saturday unveiled a cenotaph in memory of 11 Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) naval cadets who died during a training accident in 1990, declaring that their sacrifice would remain permanently etched in the history of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The memorial, unveiled at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School in Onne, Rivers State, honours members of the 41 Regular Course who lost their lives during a boat-handling exercise on July 23, 1990.
Speaking during the wreath-laying ceremony, the COAS described the occasion as a solemn tribute to his late coursemates, saying the Armed Forces remain committed to preserving the memory of personnel who paid the supreme sacrifice in service to the nation.
”We stand with profound reverence, deep humility and a solemn sense of duty to honour our coursemates who paid the ultimate sacrifice during training,” Shuaibu said.
He described the tragedy as one of the darkest moments in Nigeria’s military training history, recalling that 23 first-year NDA naval cadets were participating in a routine boat-handling exercise when their boat collided with a stationary jetty and capsized, claiming the lives of 11 young officers-in-training.
According to the Army Chief, the newly unveiled cenotaph serves as an enduring symbol of honour for the fallen cadets and a reminder of the Armed Forces’ core values of courage, discipline, honour and selfless service.
”The cenotaph stands as an enduring tribute to 11 young patriots whose aspirations to serve Nigeria were tragically cut short,” he said.
Shuaibu stressed that remembering fallen personnel is more than a ceremonial obligation, noting that it reinforces military traditions, strengthens institutional continuity and inspires future generations of officers to serve with unwavering commitment.
He commended the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School for ensuring the completion of the memorial project, expressing confidence that it would inspire young servicemen and women to place national interest above personal considerations.
Addressing the families of the deceased cadets, the COAS assured them that the Armed Forces and the nation would continue to honour the memory of their loved ones.
”The sacrifice of your loved ones will never be forgotten by the Armed Forces of Nigeria or by a grateful nation. Their names are permanently etched on this monument, in our military history and in the hearts of their coursemates,” he stated.
Earlier, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibrahim Abbas, represented by Rear Admiral J. N. Mamman, said the cenotaph was dedicated to the memory of the cadets who paid the supreme price during training.
He described the memorial as an opportunity for reflection and remembrance, while praying for the peaceful repose of the souls of the departed officers.
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