By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Navy Special Boats Service (NNSBS) has further strengthened its maritime interdiction and special operations capability with the successful graduation of twenty operators from the British Defence Staff (BDS) Visit, Board, Search and Seizure Level 2 (VBSS-L2) Course at its Headquarters in Ojo, Lagos.
The graduation ceremony, which took place on Thursday, 29 January 2026, marked the culmination of three weeks of intensive, hands-on training conducted by instructors from the United Kingdom’s 42 Royal Marines Commando, underlining the deepening defence cooperation between the Nigerian Navy and the United Kingdom.
The event was graced by the United Kingdom Defence Attaché and Head of British Defence Staff (BDS) West Africa, Brigadier General Thomas Harper, alongside the Staff Officer Grade 2 Maritime, Lieutenant Commander Peter Fairbanks. Also in attendance were the Commanding Officer, Nigerian Navy Special Boats Service, Captain Andrew Zidon, senior officers of the Service, instructors, and other invited guests.
The VBSS-L2 course is designed to build advanced proficiency in maritime interdiction operations, including the conduct of high-risk boarding, searching, and seizure of vessels, as well as close-quarters combat and special insertion techniques. The training exposed participants to realistic operational scenarios, aimed at preparing them for complex maritime security challenges such as piracy, sea robbery, illegal bunkering, smuggling, and other transnational maritime crimes.
As part of the course completion requirements, the trainees participated in a Final Training Exercise (FTX), during which they planned and executed a simulated raid on a designated objective building at Ibeshe Beach. The exercise scenario required the operators to capture and secure the headquarters of a Violent Extremist Organisation (VEO), demonstrating their ability to integrate intelligence, planning, manoeuvre, and tactical assault in a high-threat environment.
The exercise was executed with a high level of professionalism and precision, drawing commendation from both Nigerian Navy authorities and the visiting British instructors, who noted the marked improvement in the operators’ tactical competence, teamwork, and confidence.
The high point of the ceremony was the presentation of certificates and awards to the graduating operators and members of the BDS training team, in recognition of their dedication and outstanding contribution to the success of the course.
The successful conduct of the VBSS-L2 course underscores the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to continuous capacity building, professional development, and international collaboration, as it seeks to enhance its ability to safeguard Nigeria’s maritime domain and contribute to regional and global maritime security.
