FOC Central Naval Command Charges Officers, Ratings To Sharpen Skills On Communication, Cybersecurity

The Nigerian Navy's Central Naval Command is urging its personnel to bolster their expertise in communication and cybersecurity, recognizing these as critical elements in modern warfare. Rear Admiral Suleiman Ibrahim, the Flag Officer Commanding, stated that the communication network and cyberspace have evolved into the "fifth domain of warfare."

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We are in an era where wars are no longer fought only on land, sea and air. The communication network and the cyberspace have become the fifth domain of warfare. The side that controls information, and protects its networks, gains decisive advantage.

Admiral Ibrahim emphasized that controlling information and safeguarding networks provides a decisive advantage. He noted that conflicts are no longer confined to land, sea, and air, but increasingly involve digital battlegrounds. Examples from global conflicts show how GPS jamming and communication disruptions can halt operations, while cyberattacks can compromise vital systems like port operations and naval logistics.

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We have seen real examples across the globe in recent conflicts. GPS jamming and disruption of military communications have stalled entire operations. Cyber attacks have shut down critical port systems, compromised naval logistics, and even taken control of unmanned systems.

Closer to home, the command observes that criminal elements, including bandits, utilize encrypted communication and digital tactics to evade law enforcement. The use of technology by cybercriminals to attack financial institutions and the role of crypto donations in sustaining protests were also cited as examples of the pervasive influence of digital tools.

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In cybersecurity, the most secured moment was a while ago because a lot is currently and continuously happening in the cyber domain. Therefore, we must stay ahead to guaranty the security of our cyber systems and space. If we must stay ahead, then our communicators and cyber operators must be the sharpest in the field.

To address these challenges, the Central Naval Command organized a two-day intra-command competition focused on communication and cybersecurity. The event, held at the Nigerian Navy Ship Delta (NNS Delta) in Warri, Delta State, aimed to sharpen the skills of officers and ratings. Commodore Shehu Mohammed Tasiu, Commander of NNS Delta, assured that the competition would enhance operational effectiveness within the command's area of responsibility.

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We have seen real examples across the globe in recent conflicts. GPS jamming and disruption of military communications have stalled entire operations. Cyber attacks have shut down critical port systems, compromised naval logistics, and even taken control of unmanned systems.