Graduation Ceremony Marks a New Era in Naval Gunnery Training
KACHIA, Kaduna State – In a significant boost to Nigeria’s maritime defense capabilities, the Nigerian Navy School of Armament Technology (NNSAT) in Kachia graduated 323 personnel on Friday, December 20, 2025. The personnel completed intensive Quarter Armourer and Fire Control I–III courses, representing Batches 25, 28, and 29. This maiden regimental graduation ceremony underscores a strategic shift towards enhancing the Navy’s technical warfare proficiency.
Beyond the Parade: The Strategic Importance of Gunnery Training
The graduation is far more than a ceremonial event; it represents a critical investment in “Above Water Warfare” capabilities. The courses completed are foundational to modern naval combat. Quarter Armourers are the technical backbone, responsible for the maintenance, repair, and management of the Navy’s arsenal of guns and weapon systems. Fire Control Technicians (Levels I-III) operate the sophisticated radar, sonar, and computer systems that direct naval gunfire with precision, ensuring accuracy against sea and land targets. Graduating 323 personnel in these specialties directly translates to more operational warships, faster response times, and greater lethality in defending Nigeria’s territorial waters and exclusive economic zone.
A Historic Milestone Celebrated
The Guest of Honour, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, represented by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Yusuf Liman, declared the event a historic milestone. He highlighted that it celebrated the discipline, commitment, and professional excellence of the graduands, which in turn strengthens national security. “This training reflects the Navy’s growing technical and professional capacity,” he stated, connecting the ceremony to broader security goals.
Governor Sani reiterated Kaduna State’s commitment to human capital development and security, noting that the state’s progress is supported by strong collaboration with the military. He commended the Chief of Training, Rear Admiral A.M. Haruna, and the Naval Training Command for producing exceptional gunners. His charge to the graduands was clear: “Serve with integrity, courage, and professionalism, applying your skills with precision, patriotism, and loyalty amid Nigeria’s complex and evolving security challenges.”
Institutional Growth and Strategic Partnerships
In his remarks, the Commandant of NNSAT, Commodore Chikaji Isah, thanked the Kaduna State Government for its tangible support, which has led to improved infrastructure and essential training aids. “These interventions will enhance training, equipment readiness, and professional excellence,” he noted. This civil-military partnership is a model for how state governments can contribute directly to national defense capacity.
Commodore Isah also praised the visionary leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, in strengthening the Navy’s capacity to confront contemporary threats like piracy, oil theft, and illegal fishing. He expressed confidence that the new graduates would serve the nation with pride, dedication, and the high professionalism demonstrated in their training.
The Ceremonial Highpoint and Path Forward
The event culminated in a display of military discipline and skill, featuring silent drills and match pasts. The presentation of awards to top-performing officers and ratings highlighted individual excellence within the cohort.
This graduation is a clear indicator of the Nigerian Navy’s focus on developing indigenous technical expertise. By investing in advanced gunnery schools like NNSAT Kachia, the Navy is reducing reliance on foreign technical support and building a self-sustaining cycle of skilled personnel who can maintain, operate, and tactically deploy Nigeria’s naval assets. These 323 graduates are now poised to join the fleet, bringing enhanced capability to secure Nigeria’s vital maritime interests.
Reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani.
