The Nigerian Navy says it is deploying technology, especially Artificial Intelligence (AI), in training its officers to keep up with the global trend in warfare execution.

Outgoing Flag Officer Commanding, Headquarters of Naval Training Command, Rear Admiral Istafanus Albara, stated this in Rivers State on Friday. He noted that modern warfare is now technology-driven and emphasised the need to prepare officers and men of the Nigerian Navy to measure up with the trend.

To achieve this, Albara said the command has conducted a review of its curriculum to incorporate technology into both operations and personnel management.

Albara, who spoke during a send-forth parade held in his honour at the command headquarters in Ebube community in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, commended President Bola Tinubu and the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, for their support to the command throughout his stay as FOC Headquarters Naval Training Command and for sponsoring the training of officers in modern warfare techniques.

He stated that several initiatives are being undertaken by the command to ensure a conducive environment for officers and ratings.

He said, “Technology drives everything, and there is a new term coming in, artificial intelligence, which would shape future operations. And so in that regard, we have tried to embrace the use of technology in our training to prepare our men for future warfare and operations which will be AI-driven.”

“Also, through our curriculum review and other capacity-building, we are incorporating technology not only in our operation but in the management of our men. There are several initiatives we have taken to ensure a conducive working environment for the operations of our men,” Albara added.

Reflecting on his stay in the command, Albara, who assumed leadership of the command in February 2024 as the 39th Flag Officer Commanding, said he was able to deploy strategies to reinvigorate Nigerian Navy professional training in line with recent modern acquisitions.

He stated that he also conducted a comprehensive review of the Navy’s existing training policy and several professional maritime and leadership packages for officers and ratings within the command.

Albara also noted that during his tenure, appreciable gains were recorded towards affiliation Navy schools to ensure that they compete favourably with their counterparts around the globe

“I am pleased to note appreciable gains towards the accreditations and/or affiliations of NN professional schools and courses to ensure that our graduates compete favorably with other seafarers around the globe, after service to the fatherland. As such, statutory requirements are being met and pragmatic curricula reviews have been carried out to address current realities,” he stated.

He also stated that during his stay, the command experienced a hive of activities, including hosting the 2024 Sunset of the Nigerian Navy, sporting events, and infrastructural development, among other initiatives.

Rear Admiral Robert Obeya has been posted to succeed Albara as the 40th Flag Officer Commanding, Headquarters Naval Training Command.