French
DeutschSpecial Boat Service (Nigeria)
| Special Boat Service | |
|---|---|
| Active | 2006–present |
| Country |  Nigeria |
| Branch |  Nigerian Navy |
| Type | Special forces |
| Role | Special operations Counter-terrorism |
| Commanders | |
| SBS Commander | Commodore Noel Madugu |
The Special Boat Service (SBS) is the special forces unit of the Nigerian Navy and the maritime special forces unit of the Nigerian Armed Forces. It is modelled after the Royal Navy's Special Boat Service and the United States Navy SEALS.[1] It is considered to be one of the more elite naval special forces units in Africa.[2] It was established in 2006, with its pioneer commander being Rear Admiral Apochi Suleiman.[3]
Role[edit]
The establishment of the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service (SBS) was motivated by the imperative to address the persistent attacks on Nigeria's oil facilities by militant groups and criminal elements in the Niger Delta.[2]
Training[edit]
The Basic Operating Course (BOC) is the foundational training program that shapes individuals into skilled SBS operatives, known for their elite capabilities. The course comprises three distinct phases, each focusing on crucial aspects of their operational readiness Operatives undergo training in range classification, handling of explosive and demolition weapons, map reading, and intelligence techniques. Upon successful completion of the BOC, operatives are bestowed with the special forces honour badge, serving as a symbol of their exceptional training and distinguishing them as elite members within the Naval personnel.[4]
Operation[edit]
Presently, some SBS personnel are actively deployed in the northeastern part of Nigeria, working with the Armed Forces Special Forces (AFSF) Battalion, engaging in ongoing counter-insurgency operations against the Boko Haram terrorist group. On 21 April 2020, ten SBS commandos boarded the Tommi Ritscher, a container ship captured by pirates off the shore of Benin, for which the Beninese authorities gave the commandos a letter of commendation.
The Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service has worked in the region with the Ghana Special Boat Squadron and the United States Army Special Forces.[5][6]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/features/featurettes/2009/dec/25/Featurettes-25-12-2009-002.htm[permanent dead link]
- ^ a b "Nigeria's Navy and the Battle for Economic Survival". www.rusi.orghttps. Retrieved 2023-07-28.
- ^ "Navy vows to strengthen special forces - Daily Trust". dailytrust.com. 19 June 2023. Retrieved 2023-07-28.
- ^ "Preparing for Contemporary Dynamic Battle Space - THISDAYLIVE". www.thisdaylive.com. Retrieved 2023-07-28.
- ^ Martin, Guy (2022-10-21). "Ghana's homegrown Special Boat Squadron signals new era". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2023-07-28.
- ^ Nigeria, U. S. Mission (2021-07-12). "U.S. Army Special Forces Conclude Training With Nigeria Navy Special Boat Service". U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria. Retrieved 2023-07-28.