The Nigerian Navy has launched a cybersecurity competition aimed at improving personnel proficiency and strengthening the country’s defence against emerging cyber threats.
Speaking at the opening of the exercise in Ebube-Eleme, Rivers State, the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Ebiobowei Zipele, said the competition was designed to enhance operational communication and cybersecurity standards within the service.
The event, themed “2026 Annual Inter-Command Communications and Cybersecurity Competition,” is organised by the Navy’s Communications and Information Technology unit.
Zipele described communication as a critical component of military operations, noting that the exercise would help improve professionalism and reinforce standard communication procedures among personnel.
According to him, participants will be tested through simulated communication and cyber threat scenarios to assess their ability to protect naval digital assets and respond to real-world challenges.
The three-day competition features 36 personnel drawn from 12 naval schools and two medical centres across Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt.
Areas of competition include visual communication, voice procedures, message handling, radio system setup, information technology, cybersecurity, tactical encryption and decryption, as well as general communication knowledge.
Zipele said outstanding teams and individuals would be recognised with awards at the end of the exercise.
He added that the competition would contribute to building a highly skilled workforce capable of safeguarding the Nigerian Navy’s communication systems and supporting national defence objectives.
