COAS Honours 11 Course Mates Who Paid Supreme Price During Training in Onne

• Says 1990 Onne boat mishap one of saddest chapters in history of military training

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has honoured 11 young patriots, whose aspirations to serve Nigeria were tragically cut short on 23 July 1990 during a boat-handling training exercise at the then Nigerian Naval College waterfront.

Lieutenant General Shaibu also unveiled a cenotaph and laid wreaths in honour of the 11 Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Naval Cadets of 41 Regular Course at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School, Onne, Rivers State.

Stating that the cenotaph stood as an enduring tribute to the 11 young patriots, the COAS described the incident as one of the saddest chapters in the history of military training in Nigeria.

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 loss of 11 promising officers-in-the-making.

According to a statement by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army Chief said the solemn ceremony underscored the enduring commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to preserve the memory of personnel whose service and sacrifice continue to inspire national duty and strengthen the nation’s security institutions.

Addressing dignitaries, military personnel and families of the departed cadets, the COAS said he stood with profound reverence, deep humility and a solemn sense of duty to honour his course mates who paid the ultimate sacrifice during training at the then Nigerian Naval College, Onne.

He noted that the occasion reflected the Armed Forces’ enduring values of honour, courage, discipline and selfless service in defence of the nation.

Lieutenant General Shaibu stated that the cenotaph stood as an enduring tribute to 11 young patriots whose aspirations to serve Nigeria were tragically cut short on 23 July 1990 during a boat-handling training exercise at the College waterfront.

The COAS emphasised that remembrance was a strategic military tradition that reinforced esprit de corps, institutional continuity and the resolve of future generations of officers to serve with honour, courage and unwavering devotion to duty.