The Nigerian Navy Marines[1] is an elite amphibious and special operations unit of the Nigerian Navy, established in 2025 to enhance the Navy's capabilities in addressing asymmetric maritime and riverine threats. Modelled partly on international marine corps structures, the unit focuses on rapid-response operations, including counter-piracy, hostage rescue, and amphibious assaults.
It operates under the newly formed Special Operations Command (NNSOC). It integrates with the Navy's Special Boat Service (SBS) for littoral and inland waterway missions. The creation of the Marines represents a strategic evolution in the Nigerian Navy's structure, responding to escalating threats such as oil theft, illegal fishing, and terrorism in Nigeria's expansive Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which spans over 84,000 square nautical miles.
They are trained to operate in littoral combat theatres as naval infantry and coastal artillery. The unit operates under the newly formed Special Operations Command, located on the north bank of the River Benue. It integrates elements of the Nigerian Navy's Special Boat Service (SBS) and the Deep Blue Maritime Security Unit.[2]
History
The origins of naval forces in Nigeria trace back to the colonial-era Marine[3] Department of the Royal Navy, established in 1887 as a quasi-military organisation responsible for port administration, dredging, and harbour security. This department evolved into the Nigerian Naval Force in 1956, which was later renamed the Nigerian Navy in 1963 following Nigeria's independence.[4]
The Nigerian Navy Marines were established to enhance the Nigerian Navy's capability to conduct amphibious and expeditionary warfare, particularly in response to evolving security challenges in Nigeria's coastal and riverine regions. The unit was formalised as part of the Nigerian Navy's modernisation efforts to address threats such as piracy, illegal oil bunkering, militancy in the Niger Delta, and other maritime crimes.[5]
The establishment[6] reflects the Nigerian Navy's strategic shift toward greater agility in addressing 21st-century maritime challenges, as stated by Rear Admiral Eugenio Farreira, Chief of Operations at Naval Headquarters. Previously, naval special operations were handled by ad-hoc units; however, the Marines provide a dedicated structure for amphibious assaults, reconnaissance, and joint operations with other branches of the armed forces.
Organisation
The Nigerian Navy Marines are headquartered under the Special Operations Command and report to the Chief of Naval Staff. The unit is designed for rapid deployment via sea, river, and land, incorporating advanced training in counter-terrorism, search and rescue (SAR), and maritime interdiction.[7]
Roles and responsibilities
The Nigerian Navy Marines are primarily responsible for:
Amphibious operations: Conducting landings and operations in coastal and riverine environments to secure strategic locations or neutralise threats.
Counter-insurgency: Supporting operations against militant groups, particularly in the Niger Delta, where groups have engaged in attacks on oil infrastructure and maritime assets.
Special operations: Undertaking high-risk missions, including reconnaissance, direct action, and counter-terrorism in maritime environments.
The Marines operate in coordination with other Nigerian Navy units, such as the Special Boat Service (SBS), a specialised naval commando unit, and collaborate with other branches of the Nigerian Armed Forces, including the Nigerian Army and Air Force, during joint operations.[8]
Equipment
The Marines utilise Navy assets tailored for amphibious and special operations:[9]
Vessels: LST-100 class landing ship tanks (e.g., NNS Kada), fast interceptor boats, and SBS special craft for riverine insertion.
Weapons: Small arms (e.g., AK-47 variants, Beretta pistols), sniper rifles, and non-lethal options for boarding operations.
Support: Agusta 109 helicopters for aerial insertion and naval drones for surveillance.
References
↑ Jakepor21 (2 June 2025). "The logo of the newly established Nigerian Navy Marines". X. Retrieved 18 June 2025. The logo of the newly established Nigerian Navy Marines. According to a statement issued by NN, "the Marines were established to increase NN contribution to land combat in support of sister services and fulfillment of National Interest."{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
↑ "Nigerian Navy: Structure and Operations". Nigerian Navy Official Website. Retrieved 26 September 2025. The Nigerian Navy operates 11 branches at Naval Headquarters, six operational commands, and oversees Nigeria's 84,000 square nautical mile EEZ.
↑ "The Nigerian Navy: From Colonial Marine to Modern Force". GlobalSecurity.org. Retrieved 26 September 2025. The Nigerian Marine, established in 1887, served as a quasi-military force under the Royal Navy, handling port administration and participating in World War I campaigns.
↑ "33 SBS Operatives Graduate from Rigorous Training". Punch Nigeria. 15 August 2025. Retrieved 26 September 2025. The Nigerian Navy's Special Boat Service completed a 36-week training course for 33 operatives, focusing on counter-terrorism and amphibious operations.
↑ "Nigerian Navy Unveils Special Operations Command and Marines". ThisDay Live. 2 June 2025. Retrieved 26 September 2025. The Nigerian Navy Marines and Special Operations Command were established in May 2025, headquartered in Makurdi, to address modern maritime threats.
↑ "Operation Deep Blue: Securing the Gulf of Guinea". Vanguard Nigeria. 10 August 2023. Retrieved 26 September 2025. Operation Deep Blue targets oil theft and piracy, with SBS and naval units conducting joint patrols.
↑ "Nigerian Navy Training Command Overview". Nigerian Navy Official Website. Retrieved 26 September 2025. NAVTRAC in Onne provides specialized training for amphibious and special operations, including the PTSS.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply. Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.
Nigeria 
Nigerian Armed Forces 
Nigerian Navy 
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu