Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, announced on Saturday that the Nigerian Navy has recruited 1,486 new personnel to enhance its manpower for effective internal security operations in the Niger Delta region.
Speaking at the Passing Out Parade (POP) of Nigerian Navy’s Batch 35 Trainees at the Nigeria Navy Basic Training School in Onne, Rivers, Matawalle revealed that the new ratings underwent six months of rigorous warfare and maritime combat training to prepare them for the ongoing battle against oil thieves, pipeline vandals, sea pirates, and other criminals.
This recruitment and training boost aims to strengthen the Navy’s capabilities in tackling security challenges in the region.
“These young men and women are joining the Nigeria Navy at a time the Armed Forces need personnel with strength, courage, and resolve to combat the security challenges we face.
“The newly enlisted personnel passed through rigorous training in physical fitness, swimming, combat skills, and weapons handling, preparing them for maritime and land operations.
“They will be assigned to various units and formations to complement ongoing internal security operations,” the minister said.
Mr Matawalle emphasised that the recruitment was a vital component of the navy’s capacity-building efforts to develop effective operational forces capable of addressing both internal and external threats.
According to him, the injection of the right manpower and skilled personnel is key to the ongoing expansion of naval fleet.
“The navy is focused on enhancing capacity through infrastructural development, activating various operations, conducting technology-driven patrols, and platforms acquisition and recapitalisation.
“Two 76-meter Offshore Patrol vessels are expected to arrive from Turkey, along with three additional Fast Attack Craft from China among others, to bolster the navy’s fleet.
“I am pleased to report that Operation Delta Sanity, activated to curb oil theft, has increased crude oil production to 1,428,613 bpd from less than 1,000,000 in the past six months,” he added.
The minister stressed that the navy was engaged in joint exercises and training with foreign naval partners to enhance local capabilities.
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