In a major boost to Nigeria’s maritime security, the Nigerian Navy has inducted 328 personnel into its newly established Marine unit, tasked with safeguarding the nation’s $16.6 billion offshore oil and gas infrastructure and enhancing stability in the Gulf of Guinea.
Nicknamed the “Bushmen,” the elite troops completed six months of rigorous training led by United States Special Forces, covering aerial, amphibious, and ground combat operations across challenging terrains.
The induction ceremony at Nigerian Navy Town, Ojo, was overseen by Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, who described the graduation as a milestone for Nigeria’s naval defence capabilities. He emphasized the Marines’ role in bridging operational gaps between land and sea, protecting critical national assets, securing coastal communities, and supporting maritime trade and oil-related economic activities.
Chief of the Naval Staff, Idi Abbas, highlighted that the Marines fall under the Navy’s Special Operations Command, created eight months ago to enhance counterterrorism, precision strikes, and strategic interdictions. He noted that the synergy between the Marines and the Special Boat Service will ensure amphibious depth and operational precision across naval missions.
Commandant of the Nigerian Navy Marines Training Centre, Commodore Olayinka Aliu, revealed that the unit was formally established on June 1, 2025, with a focus on light infantry and special operations. The Basic Marines Qualifying Course, which began in August 2025, emphasized endurance, amphibious maneuvers, marksmanship, close-quarters combat, survival skills, and small-team tactics to produce physically robust and mentally resilient forces.
