Nigerian Navy Turns to Special Boat Service to Take on Emerging Threats

In a bold move to enhance maritime security, Nigeria has established an elite Naval unit, the Special Boat Service (SBS), tasked with tackling complex operations such as hostage rescues, counterpiracy, and tracking terrorists. Recently, 33 graduates completed a rigorous training program, marking a significant milestone for the Nigerian Navy as it responds to escalating threats in its coastal and inland waterways.

Training and Capabilities of the Special Boat Service

The SBS, founded in 2006 to combat rising attacks on oil installations and kidnappings in the Niger Delta, has drawn inspiration from elite forces like the British Royal Navy’s Special Boat Service and the U.S. Navy SEALs. The recent graduation ceremony showcased the graduates’ skills through demonstrations of amphibious assaults, hostage rescues, and rappelling from helicopters. Rear Admiral O.O. Soyemi, the flag officer commanding the Special Operations Command, praised the graduates for their mental resilience and physical endurance, emphasizing the challenges that lie ahead.

Training for the SBS is notoriously demanding, featuring extreme endurance tests, physical deprivation, and long-distance swimming. Candidates undergo specialized courses in underwater demolition, combat diving, parachuting, and close-quarters combat, culminating in a grueling “hell week” designed to push them to their limits. SBS Commander Andrew Zidon highlighted the extensive preparation, noting that trainees have expended thousands of rounds of ammunition and engaged in countless hours of high-intensity workouts. The objective is to ensure that they are fully prepared before engaging in real-world operations.

Strategic Importance and Future Operations

The establishment of the SBS is part of a broader strategy by the Nigerian Navy to enhance its operational capabilities. In 2025, the Navy formed the Special Operations Command on the North Bank of the River Benue, which will integrate the SBS and the newly created Nigerian Navy Marines. This command aims to provide a more agile and adaptable response to emerging maritime threats. Rear Admiral Eugenio Farreira, chief of operations at Naval Headquarters, described the new command as a proactive measure to confront complex security challenges in the 21st century.

The SBS has already achieved notable successes, including the rescue of crew members from pirate attacks in both Beninese and Ivoirian waters. As the unit prepares for future missions, its role will extend beyond maritime operations to include land-based counterinsurgency efforts in Nigeria’s northeast. The commitment to rigorous training and operational readiness underscores the Nigerian Navy’s determination to safeguard its waters and respond effectively to threats, ensuring the safety and security of its maritime domain.