Terrorism: Navy Deploys US-Trained Special Force to North-East
The Nigerian Navy has deployed its newly trained special forces, known as the Marines, to the North-East Operational Theatre as part of efforts to tackle terrorism and strengthen ongoing military operations.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, disclosed this during an interview with journalists on the sidelines of the ongoing Chief of Naval Staff’s Retreat at the Naval Headquarters, Abuja.
Oluyede said the specialised personnel were trained and supported by the United States before their induction and deployment to the theatre, where they are already participating in operations against terrorists, particularly along the Baga axis.
He explained that the Marines were working alongside troops of the Nigerian Army and personnel of the Nigerian Air Force to coordinate operations and counter terrorist activities in the area.
According to him, the deployment reflects the importance of joint operations among the Armed Forces, stressing that no single service could independently address the country’s security challenges.
“It is a collective effort, and that is why we always emphasise the issue of jointness,” the CDS said.
He described the newly deployed personnel as specialised regiments assembled and trained during the year, adding that their performance in the North-East had been encouraging.
“They have already been inducted and deployed to the North-East, where they are doing very well, especially along the Baga axis,” he said.
The defence chief further stated that the Marines were integrating their activities with other services, particularly the Army and Air Force, to strengthen the military’s response to terrorist operations.
On the broader security situation, Oluyede assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces were making collective efforts to improve security across the country.
He called for public support and cooperation, urging citizens to report suspicious activities to security agencies, noting that intelligence remained central to military operations.
“We need community support and the support of all Nigerians to move the country forward,” he added.