It was a solemn and symbolic occasion of the Beating of the Retreat and ceremonial sunset for the Direct Short Service Course 29 and Special Duty Pre-Commissioning Training Course 24, which represents more than the culmination of military training but also the military tradition that underscores discipline, transition, and the call to service.
These officer cadets have navigated intense months of physical, mental, and moral training.
The Nigerian Naval College is a premier officers’ training institution in the Nigerian Navy. Established in 1981 as Nigerian Naval College ONURA, it was relocated to EBUBU in May 2024 and subsequently renamed Nigerian Naval College EBUBU as part of the Navy's expansion drive.
The Beating of the Retreat is a military ceremony, which has its origin in the early years of organized warfare when the beating drums and the parading of Post Guards heralded the closing of camp gates and the lowering of flags at the end of the day.
At the Beating of the Retreat and ceremonial sunset for the Direct Short Service Course 29 and Special Duty Pre-Commissioning Training Course 24, the Special Guest of Honour, Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Aliyu Ahmad Gaya commended the officets cadets resilience, perseverance, and courage throughout the demanding period of training at the prestigious Nigerian Naval College, EBUBU.
"I also commend your spirit of competition as reflected in the awards winning both individually and at squadrons’ level. Congratulations to the Champion Squadron and all award-winning cadets.
"Today, our nation stands at a critical crossroads. Nigeria, like many nations across the globe, is contending with multifaceted and rapidly evolving security challenges. From the insidious threats posed by insurgency and terrorism in the northeast, to the banditry, kidnapping, and communal clashes in the north-central and northwest, including the separatist agitations in the southeast — the spectrum of threats is broad and complex.
"Of particular concern is the maritime security environment, which directly impacts your role as future naval officers. Equally, the Gulf of Guinea, which includes Nigeria’s maritime domain, has become a hotspot for transnational maritime crimes — piracy, armed robbery at sea, oil theft, illegal bunkering, trafficking in arms and persons, as well as unregulated and unreported fishing." he said
He noted that these challenges not only threaten the sovereignty of Nigeria but also endanger the economic life line of our dear nation. With over 90% of Nigeria’s trade dependent on maritime routes and critical oil infrastructure located in coastal regions, securing the maritime domain is both a strategic imperative and a national priority.
"It is in this context that the role of the Nigerian Navy becomes paramount. The Navy remains at the frontline of our maritime security architecture, ensuring the Safety of Navigation, protecting offshore assets, and countering criminality on our waters.
"Pertinently, the Nigerian Navy’s efforts in curbing piracy in the Gulf of Guinea which has resulted in noticeable decline in such incidents — is quite laudable and has earned the respect of the international maritime community. These successes are not merely tactical victories, but indicators of effective training, sound doctrine, interagency collaboration, and the deployment of platforms under initiatives such as Operation TSARE TEKU, Operation DELTA SAFE, and the Falcon Eye Surveillance System.
"However, sustaining these gains requires capable leadership, professional competence, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. It also demands innovative thinking, adaptability, and collaboration with regional and global partners in line with the Yaoundé Code of Conduct for maritime security in West and Central Africa."he noted
He employed the officer cadets of DSSC 29 and SDPCT 24 to realize that this is the context in which they are stepping into. "You are not just joining a service; you are becoming guardians of our nation’s maritime sovereignty. The training you have received — physically grueling, mentally rigorous, and intellectually enriching — is only the beginning of a journey that demands constant learning, operational proficiency, and ethical leadership.
"You are the embodiment of a new generation of naval officers who will be called upon to defend our national interests across the littoral waters, support civil authorities in internal security operations, and participate in regional and global peacekeeping missions. The weight of your responsibility is great, but so is the confidence we have entrusted in you."
He urged them to uphold the core values of the Nigerian Armed Forces instilled in them which are Loyalty, Courage, Integrity, and Selfless Service. "Let your conduct reflect the honour of the uniform you wear. Uphold the rule of law. Embrace jointness and inter-service cooperation, for the challenges ahead demand a unified and coherent defence posture.
"Let your sword be guided by wisdom, your arms strengthened by justice, and your compass fixed firmly on service to contribute meaningfully to the strategic goals of the Nigerian Armed Forces and renewed hope agenda of the President, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces." he stressed
He therefore left them with a final word "Lead with courage. Serve with honor. Uphold the values of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. In all you do, let excellence be your watchword and patriotism your compass. The nation awaits your service. May the Almighty God guide your steps, protect you in duty, and crown your careers with excellence. Once again, I congratulate you." he charged
Earlier the Commandant of the Nigerian Naval College, Rear Admiral Haruna Zego charged them to embrace Nigeria's duties the utmost professionalism, integrity and patriotism. Uphold the Navy's core values of integrity, professionalism and teamwork, and Never forget that their actions on and off the field reflect not just on their individual names, but on the entire Nigerian Navy.
"To the officer cadets of DSSC 29 and SDPCT 24, your journey is just beginning. What lies ahead will test your character, your judgment, and your commitment. The skills and knowledge imparted during your time here have equipped you for much more than drill and ceremony. They have prepared you for leadership in a volatile and rapidly evolving operational theatre.
"You must understand that you are not just joining the navy, you are joining the frontlines of national defence and maritime security. Whether deployed to patrol the creeks of the Niger Delta, participate in joint task force operations, or contribute to regional efforts under ECOWAS, AU Strategic Sea Lift or Yaounde Architecture, your roles will be indispensable in safeguarding maritime sovereignty.
He congratulated the officer cadets. "You have navigated through intense months of physical, mental, and moral training. You have been tested and found worthy and the ceremony honors your transformation from your civilian and ratings humble beginnings into leaders poised to serve with distinction in one of Africa's most strategic naval forces.
"To DSSC 29 and SDPCT 24 I say, stand tall, for the nation looks up to you. Serve boldly, for the seas will test your mettle. Lead honourably, for your time is now. May the Almighty guide and protect you as you step forward to uphold our Navy's mission of securing the maritime environment for national prosperity.
"As the ceremonial drums roll and the bugles echo across the college grounds, let us reflect on the enduring values of service, discipline and unity that bind us together as a force and as a nation. Let this Beating of the Retreat not only mark the end of training, but also as a call to vigilance, resilience, and purposeful action in service to our great country", the Commandant concluded
SpyeTV News reports that the Beating of the Retreat at the Nigerian Naval College EBUBU signifies the conclusion of a transformative chapter in the lives of young officer cadets of Direct Short Service Course 29 and Special Duty Pre-commission Training Course 24. Flag Officer Commanding Naval Training Command and his team have laudable efforts, especially in the concurrent training of 2 sets of cadets within a short time.
The Nigerian Navy will continue to stand as a force against persistent threats. Our success in this complex and dynamic environment depends largely on the quality and resolve of personnel who have chosen the noble path of naval service to our motherland.
