By Evelyn Usman

The Nigerian Navy has unveiled two commands: the Special Operations Command and the Marine Command, as its latest strategic initiative designed to strengthen its capacity to confront emerging security threats such as terrorism, piracy, and maritime crimes.

The commands are required to undertake operations at sea, in littoral areas, and on land.

The unveiling of the commands was performed by the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, Sunday night ,during the Ceremonial Sunset held at the Naval Dockyard, Victoria Island, Lagos, to mark the end of a week-long celebration of the 69th anniversary of the Navy.

In his brief remark , the Minister expressed optimism that the commands would deliver on their mandate.

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, presented the Command Flags to the newly appointed leaders of the two units, with a charge to live up to expectations.

Earlier, in his remarks, the Chief of Operations, Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral Eugenio Farreira , who shed light on the new commands, said they  were designed to tackle the complexities of the security landscape in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea, as well as being strategic responses to enhance agility, adaptability, and foresight, allowing the Navy to proactively confront maritime threats and terrorist elements.

According to him:: “ In recent years, the security landscape in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea has dramatically evolved and become increasingly complex. Notably, the Nigerian Navy’s total spectrum maritime strategy requires the service to undertake operations at sea, in littoral areas, and on land.

“However, existing Nigerian Navy operations commands have not sufficiently coordinated the service’s land-centric operations. Similarly, aside from the Nigerian Navy’s Boat Service, SBS most Nigerian Navy personnel deployed for land-based operations rely solely on their initial basic training, which is inadequate to address emerging threats. It is for that reason that the Nigerian Navy has identified the need to unify specialized functions and create an expeditionary force capable of fighting on land and addressing immediate operational imperatives.

“Consequently, the Nigerian Navy Board approved the establishment of the Special Operations Command on May 6, 2025, and the Nigerian Navy Marines on May 9, 2025. These were formally transmitted via Nigerian Navy Orders 0925 and 1025, respectively.

“The new commands are bold statements of intent and a declaration that the Nigerian Navy is determined, prepared, and proactive in confronting complex maritime asymmetric security challenges facing our nation in the 21st century.The establishment of the Special Operations Command and the Nigerian Navy Marines is a strategic response, moving towards greater agility, precision, and adaptability. These elite formations will integrate Naval Special Forces, including combat divers and other critical enablers, trained, equipped, and ready to strike decisively whenever and wherever mission demands. These new commands represent the foresight of our naval leadership”, he stated..

Rear Admiral Farreira noted that the Special Operations Command and the Nigerian Navy Marines represented more than just a force. He said ” They are critical assets for national and regional security efforts. They will cooperate with sister services, intelligence agencies, and international partners to combat terrorism, counter illicit maritime activities, and protect national interests”.

He reminded officers and Ratings selected to serve in the  elite units that they were  the tip of the spear.” Expectations are high, and the stakes are even higher. Wear this assignment as a badge of honor and a call to excellence”, he stated ,  acknowledging the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ogalla, for  what he described as his relentless drive to modernize, professionalize, and optimize the Nigerian Navy for joint operations.

The event was attended by prominent dignitaries, who included the Chairman, Senate Committee on Navy, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa and other Service Chiefs, Sole Administrator of Rivers State , Vice Admiral Ibok Ette-Ibass, Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, members of the diplomatic corps, retired senior military personnel , among who was Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe .