Odita Sunday 
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Sunday Kelvin Aneke, on Friday said the Nigerian Navy has strengthened its special operations capability with the graduation of the Nigerian Navy Marines.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony held on Friday, Aneke said the Marines were established under the Special Operations Command to provide a highly trained, mobile and versatile force capable of securing riverine corridors, dominating littoral spaces and supporting inland missions linked to maritime threats.
“It gives me great pleasure and pride to be here today to witness yet another defining moment in the history of the Nigerian Navy,” he said, noting that the Special Operations Command was created eight months ago to enhance precision actions, strategic interdictions and counterterrorism operations across land, maritime and riverine theatres.
He said the broader security environment remained volatile and complex, with threats ranging from maritime crime to terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and violent extremism.
According to him, the establishment of the Marines reflects the Navy’s vision for a modern, adaptive and capability-driven force structure.
He added that synergy between the Nigerian Navy Marines and the Special Boat Service would provide the amphibious depth and precision required across the full spectrum of naval operations.
Aneke said the Navy would continue to collaborate with special forces of other services and international partners through advanced training, acquisition of modern equipment and enhanced rapid deployment capacity.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for continued support to the Navy, as well as the Minister of Defence, Minister of State for Defence and the National Assembly Committees on the Navy.
The naval chief also commended the Chief of Defence Staff for his guidance and presence at the ceremony, describing it as a demonstration of unity within the Armed Forces.
He praised the Flag Officers Commanding Special Operations Command, the Commandant and instructors of the NN Marines Training Centre for laying a solid foundation for the new force.
Aneke equally acknowledged the immediate past Chief of the Naval Staff, Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla (rtd), for pioneering the establishment of the Marines.
Addressing the graduands, he urged them to remain disciplined, loyal and conscious that decisions taken at lower operational levels could have strategic implications for the nation.
“As you proceed into various theatres of operation, draw upon the mental, physical and ethical foundation established during your training,” he said.
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