• Nigerians Excel on Global Military Stage: USCIS, NDA Celebrate Milestones
• Nigerian Cadets Make History in Royal Marines Training in the UK
'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
Bello Alhassan, Kaduna
DAILY COURIER – Nigerians continue to make remarkable strides in the global military landscape, as evidenced by two recent achievements: Nigeria's fourth-place ranking in U.S. military naturalisations and the groundbreaking success of Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) cadets in the United Kingdom.
Nigerians Among Top Beneficiaries of U.S. Military Naturalisation
Over the past four years, 3,270 Nigerians acquired U.S. citizenship through military service, according to a report by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). This achievement places Nigeria behind the Philippines (5,630), Jamaica (5,420), and Mexico (3,670) in military naturalisations.
From 2020 to 2024, the United States granted citizenship to over 52,000 military personnel from various countries, with Nigerians consistently among the top beneficiaries. The annual count rose steadily from 340 in 2020 to 930 in 2024, reflecting a growing trend of Nigerians serving in the U.S. armed forces.
The Army accounted for 60% of all military naturalisations, followed by the Navy (20.4%), the Air Force (10.6%), and the Marine Corps (6.6%). Most naturalised personnel were between the ages of 22 and 30.
NDA Cadets Break Barriers in Royal Marines Training
In a parallel demonstration of Nigerian excellence, two cadets from the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), 2Lt TT Eze and 2Lt I Suleiman, have made history as the first Nigerians to successfully complete the prestigious Commando Training Centre Royal Marines program in Lympstone, United Kingdom.
The rigorous training program, known for its physical and mental demands, is a hallmark of elite military preparation. The success of 2Lt Eze and 2Lt Suleiman underscores the NDA’s commitment to producing exceptional officers capable of excelling in challenging environments.
At their passing-out parade, attended by NDA Commandant Major General John Ochai, the cadets were commissioned into the Nigerian Army. The ceremony also included interactions with high-ranking officials such as Colonel GA Atherton, Commandant of the Commando Training Centre, and General Gwyn Jenkins, Commander General of the Royal Marines.
Impact on Nigeria’s Defence and Global Recognition
The pioneering achievements of the NDA cadets highlight the institution’s dedication to fostering excellence and innovation. Their success is expected to enhance Nigeria’s capacity in special and joint operations, inspiring future generations of cadets to pursue similar feats.
The simultaneous rise in Nigerians gaining U.S. citizenship through military service and the historic success of NDA cadets abroad reflect a shared narrative of resilience, discipline, and global competitiveness. Both achievements signal the potential of Nigerian talent on the world stage, emphasizing the need for strategic investments in human capital development at home.
As Nigerians excel in military service abroad and break barriers in international training programs, these milestones reinforce the country's reputation for producing capable and determined individuals. While these successes bring global recognition, they also present an opportunity for Nigeria to harness such achievements to strengthen its defence capabilities and inspire transformative growth.
