By Okosun Dennis
To confront asymmetric security threats that the nation faces in the 21st Century, the Nigerian Navy has unveiled a Special Operations Command and a Marine Command.
The unveiling of the logo of the two elite commands was performed by the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle last night during the Ceremonial Sunset marking the end of a week-long celebration of the 69th anniversary of the force at the Naval Dockyard, Victoria Island, Lagos.
During the unveiling of the logos, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla presented the Command’s flags to the pioneer Commanders with a mandate to execute the core values of the command.
Earlier, in his remarks, the Chief of Operations, Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral Eugenio Olusegun Farreira gave an insight into the new commands, saying that the complexities of the security landscape within Nigeria and across the Gulf of Guinea require new ways to overcome the activities of maritime criminal elements.
The establishment of the Special Operations Command and the Marines Command are strategic response to move towards greater agility, adaptability, and a foresight leadership of the CNS.
He revealed that the two commands are both statements of intent, creation by the Nigerian Navy to prepare and proactively confront maritime threats and deal with terrorist elements.
Based on the foregoing, Admiral Ferreira disclosed, the Nigerian Navy board approved the Special Operations Command on the 6th May, 2025 and the Marines Command on the 9th May, 2025, and were transmitted through NN Orders.
On some of the responsibilities, the Chief of Operations declared that “the two Commands is not just about force, Special Operations Command will serve as a critical asset, not only to the Nigerian Navy but to National and Regional efforts, that will operate with sister services, intelligence agencies and international partners on combating terrorism, counter illicit maritime activities and protecting national interest.
He called on the officers and ratings that would be selected to serve in the new formations to see themselves as a “tip of the spear,” with high expectations because the sticks are higher.
There were also showcase of some personnel in their combat dress.
As the events were being rounded off and the force itching towards its 70th anniversary, the Special Guest of Honour, the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle unveiled the NN 70th anniversary logo during the dinner at the Conference Hall, Naval Dockyard.
Present at the unveiling ceremonies were the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, the representatives of the Service Chiefs (Army and Airforce), the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, Mr. Tola Ayinde, Chief of Staff to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and stood in for him.
Others included the Senate Committee Chairman on the Nigerian Navy, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, former Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Ibok Ette Ibas, now Sole Administrator of Rivers State, former Chief of General Staff Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe, senior military officers, and members of the diplomatic corps.
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