The navy says it has recruited 1,814 ratings within the last six months to bolster military operations in the Gulf of Guinea, the Niger Delta and the North East.
Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanual Ogalla, made this sknown during the passing out parade of batch 36 trainees at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School, Onne
In addition to counter-insurgency activities, he claimed the new ratings will be sent to naval warships to fight against sea piracy and oil theft.
“Over the years, the Nigerian Navy Basic Training Schoo has upheld its mandate to transform qualified civilians into skilled and competent ratings for the Nigerian Navy.
“The recruitment of 1, 814 ratings became necessary to secure our maritime environment, ensuring national economic prosperity.
“They are joining the navy at a time when unprecedented efforts are being made to revitalise our fleet, rejig our operations and upgrade our training facilities,” he said.
Vice Admiral Ogalla said the expansion of the fleet and the improvement of naval operations would achieve optimal results with the deployment of capable and well-trained personnel.
Also, he added that the navy is also actively engaged in land-based operations across the six geopolitical zones in collaboration with other security agencies.
“Our participation in these operations, alongside cooperative efforts with other security and law enforcement agencies, has yielded significant successes in various theatres of operation.
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“These achievements have been made possible by the commitment of our disciplined personnel, equipped with knowledge and skills acquired through rigorous training at our naval institutions,” the naval chief stated.
The navy boss noted that the new ratings underwent expert training in combat fitness, weapons handling, boat drills and both kinetic and non-kinetic operational skills.
The induction, he said forms a key element of the navy’s capacity building programme designed to develop, maintain and sustain forces to address threats.
Vice Admiral Ogalla, who urged the recruits to uphold discipline and obedience, charged them to be apolitical and demonstrate loyalty to the military and the country .
“You will soon be deployed aboard ships where you will receive further training on practical aspects, including seamanship, security duties, naval traditions and customs,” he said.