ONNE, Nigeria — The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General W. Shuaibu, has unveiled a cenotaph in honour of 11 Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) naval cadets who died during a training accident in 1990, reaffirming that their sacrifice will never be forgotten.
The memorial, located at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School in Onne, Rivers State, was unveiled during a solemn ceremony attended by military personnel, dignitaries and families of the deceased.
Speaking at the event, Shuaibu said the Armed Forces remain committed to preserving the memory of personnel who paid the ultimate price in service to the nation.
“I stand with profound reverence, deep humility and a solemn sense of duty to honour these young patriots whose aspirations to serve Nigeria were tragically cut short,” he said.
The cadets, members of the 41 Regular Course of the NDA, lost their lives on July 23, 1990, during a boat-handling training exercise at the waterfront of the then Nigerian Naval College, Onne.
According to the Army Chief, 23 first-year cadets were on routine training when their boat collided with a stationary jetty and capsized, resulting in the death of 11 cadets.
“The cenotaph stands as an enduring tribute to their courage, sacrifice and commitment to national service,” Shuaibu added.
He emphasised that remembrance remains a vital military tradition that strengthens unity, discipline and the resolve of future officers.
The COAS also commended the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School for initiating the project, noting that the monument would inspire generations of servicemen and women to uphold the values of honour, courage and selfless service.
He assured the families of the fallen cadets that their loved ones’ sacrifice would never be forgotten, adding that their legacy remains etched in Nigeria’s military history.
Earlier, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibrahim Abbas, represented by Rear Admiral J. N. Mamman, described the memorial as a symbol of honour for the fallen cadets.
“This cenotaph provides an opportunity for remembrance and reflection on the lives of those who paid the supreme price,” he said.
The ceremony included the laying of wreaths in honour of the deceased cadets, marking one of the most tragic incidents in Nigeria’s military training history.
