₦airaland Forum

Nigeria’s drive to reinforce maritime security and confront emerging asymmetric threats received a major boost yesterday, as the Nigerian Navy formally inaugurated the pioneer set of the Nigerian Navy Marines, a newly established elite force designed to bridge operational gaps between land and maritime warfare.
The historic ceremony, attended by senior military commanders, foreign defence partners, and security stakeholders, marked what defence authorities described as a defining moment in the evolution of Nigeria’s maritime and special operations capability.

Speaking at the graduation of the maiden batch of 326 personnel trained by the US Special Forces, at the Nigerian Navy Ultra Modern Sports Complex, Navy Town, Ojo, Lagos, Chief of Defence Staff, CDS General Olufemi Oluyede said the emergence of the Nigerian Navy Marines represented a decisive milestone in strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture, particularly within the strategically important Gulf of Guinea.
He said : “The establishment of the Nigerian Navy Marines is a timely evolution aimed at bridging the gap between land and sea operations and adapting our strengths to contemporary security challenges
“Nigeria sits at a strategic crossroads in the Gulf of Guinea, and we have a responsibility to ensure stability within the maritime domain of the West African sub-region.”

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain committed to protecting our maritime resources, coastal communities, and critical oil and gas assets essential to our national sovereignty and economic prosperity.”
While commending the Nigerian Navy leadership for sustaining institutional continuity in developing specialised capabilities, General Musa reminded the graduates:“You have earned your place in an elite force defined by courage, discipline, loyalty and honour. The adversities you will face will be adaptive and unconventional. Your mettle will be tested, but you must remain intellectually agile, tactically innovative and decisive. The battlespace will sometimes be vast and unforgiving, but with your level of training, I am confident you will overcome all odds.”

He urged the new force to maintain strong collaboration with sister services, security agencies, and maritime stakeholders to enhance national security.

Earlier, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Vice Admiral Idi Abbas described the graduation as another defining moment in the history of the Nigerian Navy. He revealed that the Marines were conceived following the establishment of the Special Operations Command to boost precision operations and counter-terrorism effectiveness.

“The Nigerian Navy Marines were created as a highly trained, mobile and versatile combat force capable of securing riverine corridors, dominating neutral spaces and supporting inland operations linked to maritime theatres,” Abbas said.

“The broader strategic environment in which we operate is defined by volatility, complexity and ambiguity, with threats ranging from maritime crime and terrorism to banditry, kidnapping and violent extremism.”
“Operational synergy between the Nigerian Navy Marines and the Special Boat Service will provide the amphibious depth and rapid response capability required across the full spectrum of naval operations.”

The Naval Chief assured that the Navy would continue collaboration with special forces of sister services and international partners through advanced training, modern equipment acquisition, and improved rapid deployment capacity to ensure sustained operational effectiveness.

Providing insight into the formation and training of the new force, Commandant of the Nigerian Navy Marines Training Centre, Commodore Olayinka Aliu, disclosed that the unit was officially established on June 1, 2025, while training of pioneer volunteers commenced on August 14, 2025.

“The graduating personnel underwent six months of intensive Special Operations Tier Two training structured to produce combat-ready operators capable of functioning across maritime, riverine, littoral and inland environments,” Commodore Aliu said.

“The Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service, prior to the establishment of the Marines, was saddled with amphibious and littoral warfare, but competing operational exigencies overstretched the service. It became imperative to shore up the gaps in special operations across the spectrum of Nigerian Navy operations.”
He further explained that critical land and jungle warfare exercises conducted at Owode, Ogun State, under the supervision of US Africa Special Forces, aimed to produce personnel who are physically robust, mentally resilient, and tactically versatile.

“These competencies are essential for Marines to function effectively in demanding operational roles, whether in amphibious operations, internal stability missions or joint force engagements,” Aliu said.
“The Nigerian Navy Marines training integrated modern and adaptive tactics tailored to Nigeria’s operational realities, resulting in a solid training framework and sustainable curriculum focused on progressive skills development, combat readiness and the entrenchment of Marine Corps ethos, discipline and mission preparedness.

“The Nigerian Navy Marine Training Centre curriculum, derived from the Knowledge Exchange Programme, served as the foundational guide for the Marines Basic Qualifying Course One (BQC-1). The course was conducted in three major phases: physical conditioning (Selective Qualifying Training), land and jungle warfare, and finally amphibious operations.

“A fourth phase, known as the culmination phase, integrated all aspects of the training through scenario-based exercises to consolidate knowledge acquired over six months, test the critical thinking abilities of the Marines — code-named ‘Bushmen’ — and assess performance under intense operational stress.
“Each phase concluded with specialised camps: Camp Ibere, meaning ‘Start’ in Yoruba; Camp Yaki, meaning ‘Battle’ in Hausa; and Camp Anyiemechaala, meaning ‘Mission Accomplished’ in Igbo.

“The training was progressive and continuous, transitioning from basic individual competencies to complex collective manoeuvres. Despite operational challenges, strict discipline, operational realism and adherence to Nigerian Navy Marine core values — courage, resilience, loyalty, adaptability, honour and brotherhood — ensured successful attainment of training objectives.

“The six-month intensive BQC has now reached completion. Through blood, sweat, determination and resilience, these personnel have been transformed from ordinary sailors into Marines, proudly earning the title ‘Bushmen.’

Reaffirming the commitment of the Special Operations Command, Commodore Aliu added:
“Our objective is clear: to deliver a Marine force that is fully mission-capable, dependable and aligned with the operational needs of the Nigerian Navy and Nigeria’s broader security architecture.”

Source: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/02/nigerian-navy-inaugurates-first-marines-to-boost-maritime-land-security/

Something is still not quite adding up.

So, the navy has the SBS, a special force. Then there are the Marines, another special force. On top of that, there is yet another unit actually called Special Force. And just when you think the catalogue of exclusivity is complete, along comes deep blue sea, also within the navy, and also requiring special training.

At this point, one is tempted to pause and ask a very innocent question. What exactly is the job description of the rest of the navy personnel who do not belong to any of these elite clubs?
Because, ideally, the navy itself is a fighting force and should naturally embody the capabilities these units represent.

So if not… then what exactly are the others being trained for? To guard the canteen while the special people go to war?

Richtaiwo:
Something is still not quite adding up.

So, the navy has the SBS, a special force. Then there are the Marines, another special force. On top of that, there is yet another unit actually called Special Force. And just when you think the catalogue of exclusivity is complete, along comes deep blue sea, also within the navy, and also requiring special training.

At this point, one is tempted to pause and ask a very innocent question. What exactly is the job description of the rest of the navy personnel who do not belong to any of these elite clubs?
Because, ideally, the navy itself is a fighting force and should naturally embody the capabilities these units represent.

So if not… then what exactly are the others being trained for? To guard the canteen while the special people go to war?

For the Navy, I think it's just SBS and Marines. The Deep Blue Sea Project is not a unit of the Navy. It's a task force set up to tackle specific security challenges and has personnel from the Army, Air Force, Navy and DSS.

On your last line, I hear they do have a lot of canteens and mammy markets, so enough work for the nonspecial guys, I guess.

Marines ok 👍 Continue. Let's hope they'll get what real 'Marines' need.

Interesting though… nice

So our if all these people, which one was supposed to be doing the job tompolo has contract for in the niger delta. Which one is supposed to check oil bunkering and stealing of oil with ships for sale over seas.

Omo those guys will be some highly trained mothfckrs. You don't wanna cross them.

Richtaiwo:
Something is still not quite adding up.

So, the navy has the SBS, a special force. Then there are the Marines, another special force. On top of that, there is yet another unit actually called Special Force. And just when you think the catalogue of exclusivity is complete, along comes deep blue sea, also within the navy, and also requiring special training.

At this point, one is tempted to pause and ask a very innocent question. What exactly is the job description of the rest of the navy personnel who do not belong to any of these elite clubs?
Because, ideally, the navy itself is a fighting force and should naturally embody the capabilities these units represent.

So if not… then what exactly are the others being trained for? To guard the canteen while the special people go to war?

You know there's is difference between amphibious troops and conventional sailors. It's stated there that they are trained in land and jungle warfare. If we follow your logic, then we should ask what the rest of the UK Navy is doing since the have both Royal Marines and Special Boat Service. The question we should be asking is if they would be a practical addition to solve the general defense and insecurity problems we have

OneCandleAway:
So our if all these people, which one was supposed to be doing the job tompolo has contract for in the niger delta. Which one is supposed to check oil bunkering and stealing of oil with ships for sale over seas.

Good point. It's a shame that we're still paying astronomical fees to contractors to secure pipelines and tackle high-seas smuggling of oil. Let's hope the special units will eventually take over.

Athundare:
You know there's is difference between amphibious troops and conventional sailors. It's stated there that they are trained in land and jungle warfare. If we follow your logic, then we should ask what the rest of the UK Navy is doing since the have both Royal Marines and Special Boat Service. The question we should be asking is if they would be a practical addition to solve the general defense and insecurity problems we have

Right. Are these what we need? I sure hope so.

Great move, i pray they serve Nigeria with all their might. Iran has confirmed the elimination of 3 top General by Iarael.

APOSTLECHUMA:
Great move, i pray they serve Nigeria with all their might. Iran has confirmed the elimination of 3 top General by Iarael.

Why can't we eliminate Turji and other terrorist and bandit leaders this way? We need to up our game.

Another bunch of nonsense

Everything about our security is laughable shey na the US Marines naija version be this abi the British own, see special forces naw okpa special forces.

JuanDeDios:
Good point. It's a shame that we're still paying astronomical fees to contractors to secure pipelines and tackle high-seas smuggling of oil. Let's hope the special units will eventually take over.

you think say naija be sovereign nation. Country we no fit guard im infrastructure

OneCandleAway:
So our if all these people, which one was supposed to be doing the job tompolo has contract for in the niger delta. Which one is supposed to check oil bunkering and stealing of oil with ships for sale over seas.

Tompolo is not getting money to guard pipelines. He is getting paid so he and his people will not vandalize pipelines

adisabarber:
Tompolo is not getting money to guard pipelines. He is getting paid so he and his people will not vandalize pipelines

I know that's the main reason. They just use guarding pipeline as front. But the navy is supposed to prevent these type of things because once they vandalise then it's through the sea they use to sell it off

JuanDeDios:
For the Navy, I think it's just SBS and Marines. The Deep Blue Sea Project is not a unit of the Navy. It's a task force set up to tackle specific security challenges and has personnel from the Army, Air Force, Navy and DSS.

On your last line, I hear they do have a lot of canteens and mammy markets, so enough work for the nonspecial guys, I guess.

Sometimes I just wonder what Navy and Army personnel do on a regular day. Aside the ones fighting wars in the North. The rest in barracks across the east, West and south, what do they do on a regular day? Just wear their uniforms and roam about until month end then cash out? I mean we have over 50,000 personnel in the army, Navy and Air Force, and when we are not at war, what exactly are they doing?

So many redundant units. They just keep establishing more to enrich a few. We already have too many special forces including DSS and JTF. We have Sars, various squads, vigilantes, diverse local security outfits, including all the arms of the Navy, Police, Army and Air Force. Yet, crime pervades our enclaves like a virus, undisturbed, wrecking havoc on every path it crosses.

US have delta forces, special forces, marines and Navy seals.

JuanDeDios:
For the Navy, I think it's just SBS and Marines. The Deep Blue Sea Project is not a unit of the Navy. It's a task force set up to tackle specific security challenges and has personnel from the Army, Air Force, Navy and DSS.

On your last line, I hear they do have a lot of canteens and mammy markets, so enough work for the nonspecial guys, I guess.

US have delta forces, special forces, marines ,75th rangers, green berets, and Navy seals.
Stop discussing what you don't know and bad things always about your Country. Even if you Japa, you are still a Nigerian and a black ninja.

Richtaiwo:
Something is still not quite adding up.

So, the navy has the SBS, a special force. Then there are the Marines, another special force. On top of that, there is yet another unit actually called Special Force. And just when you think the catalogue of exclusivity is complete, along comes deep blue sea, also within the navy, and also requiring special training.

At this point, one is tempted to pause and ask a very innocent question. What exactly is the job description of the rest of the navy personnel who do not belong to any of these elite clubs?
Because, ideally, the navy itself is a fighting force and should naturally embody the capabilities these units represent.

So if not… then what exactly are the others being trained for? To guard the canteen while the special people go to war?

Spiff20:
Sometimes I just wonder what Navy and Army personnel do on a regular day. Aside the ones fighting wars in the North. The rest in barracks across the east, West and south, what do they do on a regular day? Just wear their uniforms and roam about until month end then cash out? I mean we have over 50,000 personnel in the army, Navy and Air Force, and when we are not at war, what exactly are they doing?

They have different job description just like any organization.

Richtaiwo:
Something is still not quite adding up.

So, the navy has the SBS, a special force. Then there are the Marines, another special force. On top of that, there is yet another unit actually called Special Force. And just when you think the catalogue of exclusivity is complete, along comes deep blue sea, also within the navy, and also requiring special training.

At this point, one is tempted to pause and ask a very innocent question. What exactly is the job description of the rest of the navy personnel who do not belong to any of these elite clubs?
Because, ideally, the navy itself is a fighting force and should naturally embody the capabilities these units represent.

So if not… then what exactly are the others being trained for? To guard the canteen while the special people go to war?

US:

-Naval Special Warfare Group 1: SEAL Teams 1, 3, 5, 7, Tactical Communications Command 1, Logistics Support Unit 1

-Naval Special Warfare Group 2: SEAL Teams 2, 4, 8, 10, Tactical Communications Command 2, Logistics Support Unit 2

-Naval Special Warfare Group 4: Special Boat Teams 12, 20, 22

-Naval Special Warfare Group 8:[28] SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 1 and Team 2, Logistics Support 3, Special Reconnaissance 1, Special Reconnaissance 2, Training Detachment 3, Mission Support Center

-Naval Special Warfare Group 11: SEAL Teams 17, 18 (formerly Operational Support Teams 1, 2)[33] (Navy Reserve composed of SEALs and SWCCs)

-Naval Special Warfare Center: includes the Naval Small Craft Instruction and Technical Training School

-Naval Special Warfare Development Group (formerly SEAL Team 6): Assigned operationally to JSOC

7i

Neoteny:
US:

-Naval Special Warfare Group 1: SEAL Teams 1, 3, 5, 7, Tactical Communications Command 1, Logistics Support Unit 1

-Naval Special Warfare Group 2: SEAL Teams 2, 4, 8, 10, Tactical Communications Command 2, Logistics Support Unit 2

-Naval Special Warfare Group 4: Special Boat Teams 12, 20, 22

-Naval Special Warfare Group 8:[28] SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 1 and Team 2, Logistics Support 3, Special Reconnaissance 1, Special Reconnaissance 2, Training Detachment 3, Mission Support Center

-Naval Special Warfare Group 11: SEAL Teams 17, 18 (formerly Operational Support Teams 1, 2)[33] (Navy Reserve composed of SEALs and SWCCs)

-Naval Special Warfare Center: includes the Naval Small Craft Instruction and Technical Training School

-Naval Special Warfare Development Group (formerly SEAL Team 6): Assigned operationally to JSOC

This above is advanced country setup,but in a place like Nigeria, the simpler the better, without advanced complex encrypted communication and logistics networks and command controls, have too many branches of armed forces leads to confusion, leaks and inter-agency rivalry.

A case in point was the last prison break in jos, within a 700meters/ 5 minutes range, the army, police, civil defence and DSS have critical headquarters, but the ragtag terrorist operated for over an hour and walk away. Even when DSS tactical team got to the entrance of the prison, they dint know the way round the facilities, and no single police or correctional team was on ground to guild them. Zero inter agency communication. Confusion everywhere. If the prison have a standby tactical team, that would not have been the case. Simple is better for us.

If you follow Nigerian political trajectory very well, the next administration and set of military chiefs will not regard this teams, they will start a new one and the circle continues.

I remember ihejirika set up a night fighting special forces, also a counterinsurgency team that operates solely on special bikes, in buhari/buratai 8 years, this teams dint score any remarkable achievement due to ethnopolitical divergence in leadership. In fact the special bikers where withdrawn from NE theater and taken to cities like jos, Kaduna and co to protect special interests during ethnic crisis, basically used for mopol duties. What a waste

JuanDeDios:
For the Navy, I think it's just SBS and Marines. The Deep Blue Sea Project is not a unit of the Navy. It's a task force set up to tackle specific security challenges and has personnel from the Army, Air Force, Navy and DSS.

On your last line, I hear they do have a lot of canteens and mammy markets, so enough work for the nonspecial guys, I guess.

I think they’re..

I think they’re made for under water combat or so..

dgitrader:
7i

This above is advanced country setup,but in a place like Nigeria, the simpler the better, without advanced complex encrypted communication and logistics networks and command controls, have too many branches of armed forces leads to confusion, leaks and inter-agency rivalry.

A case in point was the last prison break in jos, within a 700meters/ 5 minutes range, the army, police, civil defence and DSS have critical headquarters, but the ragtag terrorist operated for over an hour and walk away. Even when DSS tactical team got to the entrance of the prison, they dint know the way round the facilities, and no single police or correctional team was on ground to guild them. Zero inter agency communication. Confusion everywhere. If the prison have a standby tactical team, that would not have been the case. Simple is better for us.

If you follow Nigerian political trajectory very well, the next administration and set of military chiefs will not regard this teams, they will start a new one and the circle continues.

I remember ihejirika set up a night fighting special forces, also a counterinsurgency team that operates solely on special bikes, in buhari/buratai 8 years, this teams dint score any remarkable achievement due to ethnopolitical divergence in leadership. In fact the special bikers where withdrawn from NE theater and taken to cities like jos, Kaduna and co to protect special interests during ethnic crisis, basically used for mopol duties. What a waste

You are absolutely right.