To test the cyber warfare skills of its operatives, the Nigerian Navy (NN) yesterday began its third annual inter-command competition and cyber drills.

The week-long competition held at the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) QUORRA, Apapa, is part of efforts to equip naval personnel with requisite skills to counter cyber-attacks and protect the country from malwares, spies and other dangerous cyber warfare that could endanger national security.

Flagging off the competition, the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Ikechukwu Ogalla, said cyber-attacks were fast becoming major threats to military organisations globally.

Ogalla, who was represented by the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command (WNC), Rear Admiral Mohammed Abdullahi, said the training would help improve the Navy’s capabilities in cyber security.

He urged the 48 participants to put in their best during the cyber warfare drills that would be undertaken during the competition, adding that they would be expected to show more commitment, dedication to duty at the end of the training/competition.

He said: “As you all know, cyber-attacks are fast becoming a major threat to military organisations globally.

“In recent years, we have seen a number of high-profile cyber-attacks against military organisations, including the NotPetya attack in 2017 that caused significant damage to the Ukrainian military.

“This inter-command competition is an important opportunity for us to test our personnel in semaphore, flashing, voice communication as well as cyber security defenses and to learn how to respond to a real-world cyber-attack.

“We will be simulating a variety of cyber-attacks, including phishing attacks, malware attacks, and denial-of-service attacks. Additionally, there will be inputs from the Nigerian Army Signal Corps in the spirit of jointness.

“I want to emphasize that this is not a game but a serious exercise that needs to be taken seriously.

“The goal of this competition is to drill ourselves and improve our cyber security posture. This is aimed at improving our military cyber defence capabilities towards thwarting any cyber-attack.”

Stressing the importance placed on Information and Communication Technology (ICT), the CNS said the erstwhile Directorate of Communication and Information Technology (DCIT) has been upgraded to a full Branch with four directorates under it

He listed the directorates as Communications, Cyber Security and Forensics, Satellite Communications and Information Technology.

“This development calls for more dedication to duty and commitment to service delivery as a branch. As you all know, to whom much is given, much is required. I therefore wish you all a successful competition,” said Vice Admiral Ogalla.

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In his welcome address, the Chief of Communication and Information Technology, Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole, reiterated the importance of effective communication in the success of any operation.

He decried failed communication standards, attributing the failure to the attitude of operators and negligence to communication protocols.

According to Bankole, the competition would assess personnel’s proficiency and improve their capacity.

“Aside from the fact that the competition will reinvigorate standard communication protocols, it will expose participants to the latest trends in the cyber space.

“I have no doubt that this would provide a platform for all of us to interact and refresh our memories on foundations and rudiments of our communication profession. Communication is the fulcrum of any successful operation.

“Recently, naval headquarters has been inundated with reports of falling standards in naval communication, due largely to the attitudes of the operators and disregard to standard communication procedures. In a bid to correct these anomalies the idea to conduct an annual communication competition was mooted.

“The aim of the competition is to test the proficiency of personnel of the branch in various aspects of communication and Cyber drills.

“It is also to develop the capacity of CIT personnel as well as re-invigorate standard communication procedures with a view to enhancing and sustaining professionalism in CIT.

“This year’s competition will feature two cyber drills and a mini hackerthon aimed at preparing officers and men for cyber defence and consciousness of their environment.

“The Nigerian Army Signal Corps will also be participating in this year’s competition.

“A total of 42 personnel consisting of two officers from Sub Lieutenant to Lieutenant and five ratings each from Petty Officer and below from the six commands are expected to participate in the competition.

“The competitive events fall under the following broad categories: Visual Communication- Practical Semaphore, Flashing and Flag Hoist, Practical Voice Procedure, Practical Message Handling including message drafting, Practical Radio System Set up, General Communication Knowledge, Fleet Work, Cyber drills.

“At the end of the competition, there are trophies to be won and medals to be given to teams and individuals that distinguish themselves. Let me state here that there is a lot at stake so all teams are to put in their very best. It is hoped that all the commands have prepared their contestants accordingly for the above listed events.

All necessary books, publications and flags required for the competition will be provided by the coordinating team,” he said.