The Nigerian Navy has strengthened its manpower with the recruitment of 1,962 new ratings to support ongoing joint military operations across the country. The new sailors were officially inducted on Saturday during the Batch 37 Passing Out Parade at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers State.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, explained that the recruits will be deployed on warships to tackle oil theft and sea piracy, while also supporting ground troops in counter-insurgency and other internal security operations. He noted that their induction comes at a critical time, as Nigeria continues to face threats ranging from maritime crime to terrorism and banditry.
According to Abbas, the recruits underwent six months of intensive training designed to prepare them for real-world security challenges. He added that the Navy recently upgraded its training curriculum to include combat swimming, field-craft, and visit, board, search and seizure drills, alongside live-firing and onboard exercises.
The naval chief revealed that since its establishment in 1975, the NNBTS has trained over 27,500 personnel, playing a key role in the Navy’s capacity-building efforts. He also linked recent improvements in crude oil production to sustained naval operations against pipeline vandalism and oil theft.
Abbas urged the new ratings to remain disciplined and uphold the Navy’s core values of professionalism, integrity, and teamwork. During the visit, he also inaugurated several projects at the training school and commended the commandant for improving facilities and overall training standards.
