The maritime branch of the Nigerian Armed Forces (NAF), yesterday, onboarded 1,500 Nigerians in Lagos as part of activities to mark the 70th anniversary of the Nigerian Navy (NN).

They boarded the 100.68 metres NNS KADA from the Western Navy Command, Apapa, to the open water by 1:15 p.m. and returned at 4.00 p.m.

For the anniversary, three ships sail with civilians in Lagos, two in Port Harcourt, Rivers State and two in Warri, Delta State.

The Nigerian Navy was formed in 1914 after the amalgamation of the then Northern and Southern Nigeria. The Force expanded to become the Southern Nigerian Marine in 1893. A Northern Nigeria equivalent was formed in 1900.

KADA is the Hausa name for crocodile, which symbolises Power, Stealth and versatility in aquatic environments.

Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, while speaking with The Guardian, said: “This is an opportunity for us to interact with civilians, show love and camaraderie to the Navy.

“Over the past 70 years, the Nigerian Navy has evolved to a more formidable Naval force capable of safeguarding and protecting critical infrastructure in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies. We also do this in partnership with strategic partners, such as the United States (U.S.), the United Kingdom (UK), the European Union (EU), China and other navies in the world.

Also speaking, a private maritime practitioner, Bilikis Lawal Akinbola, said: “The 70th anniversary is a major landmark. We have great expectations. Sailing with the Nigerian Navy warship is a great experience. The Nigerian Navy has been doing well securing the nation’s integrity along the waterway.”

Similarly, Managing Director (MD), Tams Marine Limited, Temitope Akinlabi, said: “Let’s give people their flowers when they can smell it. Nigeria Navy has done well; it keeps evolving and improving. I thank them for keeping our water safe.”