The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General W. Shuaibu, on Saturday, 5 July 2026, unveiled a cenotaph and laid wreaths in honour of 11 Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Naval Cadets of the 41 Regular Course at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School, Onne, Rivers State.
The solemn ceremony reflected the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s commitment to preserving the memory of personnel whose service and sacrifice continue to inspire national duty and strengthen the country’s security institutions.
Addressing dignitaries, military personnel and families of the departed cadets, the COAS said he stood with profound reverence, humility and a deep sense of duty to honour his coursemates who paid the ultimate price during training at the then Nigerian Naval College, Onne. He said the occasion embodied the core values of the Armed Forces, including honour, courage, discipline and selfless service in defence of the nation.
Lieutenant General Shuaibu said the cenotaph serves as a lasting tribute to 11 young patriots whose dream of serving Nigeria was cut short on 23 July 1990 during a boat-handling training exercise at the college waterfront. He recalled that 23 first-year NDA naval cadets were undergoing routine training when their boat collided with a stationary jetty and capsized, resulting in the deaths of 11 promising officers-in-training. He described the incident as one of the saddest moments in the history of military training in Nigeria.
The COAS stressed that remembrance remains a vital military tradition that sustains esprit de corps, institutional continuity and the determination of future officers to serve with honour and devotion. He commended the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School for its foresight and commitment to bringing the project to fruition, noting that the monument would continue to inspire young officers across the Armed Forces to place national interest above personal interest in the pursuit of Nigeria’s security objectives.
To the families of the fallen cadets, Lieutenant General Shuaibu assured them that the Armed Forces of Nigeria would never forget the sacrifice of their loved ones. He said their names are permanently engraved on the monument, in the nation’s military history and in the hearts of their coursemates, adding that their legacy would continue to inspire generations of servicemen and women committed to safeguarding Nigeria’s peace, unity and sovereignty.
Earlier, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibrahim Abbas, represented by Rear Admiral J. N. Mamman, said the cenotaph was dedicated in solemn honour of the cadet officers who paid the supreme price in the course of training and service. He noted that the memorial offers a meaningful space for remembrance and reflection, while also preserving the cherished memories of the departed cadets. He prayed for the peaceful repose of their souls.
