The Nigerian Navy (NN), the maritime branch of the Nigerian Armed Forces, is tasked with protecting the nation’s territorial waters, enforcing maritime laws, and supporting joint military operations alongside the Army and Air Force.
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Like the other branches, the Nigerian Navy follows a structured rank system that ensures clear leadership, order, and discipline across all levels of service. Each rank is represented by a distinctive symbol or insignia, displayed on uniforms to indicate an officer’s position, authority, and responsibilities.
This comprehensive 2025 guide provides an up-to-date overview of all Nigerian Navy ranks and their corresponding insignias, organized into two main categories: Commissioned Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers (Ratings), making it easier to understand the hierarchy and chain of command within the naval service.
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1. Commissioned Officers
Commissioned officers in the Nigerian Navy are those who have been formally commissioned by the President of Nigeria. They occupy leadership positions, command naval ships, and make strategic decisions.
Commissioned Officer Ranks in the Nigerian Navy (Highest to Lowest)
-
Admiral of the Fleet (Five Stars)
Symbol/Insignia: Five golden stars surrounding the Nigerian Coat of Arms
Notes: Honorary rank, rarely conferred -
Admiral (Four Stars)
Symbol/Insignia: Eagle above a crossed sword and baton with four stars below
Role: Chief of Naval Staff or highest commanding officer -
Vice Admiral (Three Stars)
Symbol/Insignia: Eagle above a crossed sword and baton with three stars below
Role: Deputy to the Chief of Naval Staff or head of a major naval command -
Rear Admiral (Two Stars)
Symbol/Insignia: Eagle above a crossed sword and baton with two stars below
Role: Commands naval formations or zones -
Commodore (One Star)
Symbol/Insignia: Eagle above a crossed sword and baton with one star below
Role: Commands naval bases or major operational units -
Captain
Symbol/Insignia: Eagle above a crossed sword and baton only
Role: Commands a naval ship or serves as a senior staff officer -
Commander
Symbol/Insignia: One silver star above a crossed sword and baton
Role: Commands smaller naval vessels or training units -
Lieutenant Commander
Symbol/Insignia: Golden eagle only
Role: Heads a department on a ship or naval base -
Lieutenant
Symbol/Insignia: Two silver stars placed horizontally
Role: Junior commissioned officer assisting in ship or base management -
Sub-Lieutenant
Symbol/Insignia: One silver star
Role: Entry-level commissioned officer, often a recent graduate from the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) -
Midshipman
Symbol/Insignia: Plain shoulder board with navy blue background (no star or emblem)
Role: Naval officer cadet undergoing sea training or probation
2. Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) and Ratings
These are the enlisted personnel and the operational backbone of the Navy. They handle technical, administrative, and support duties under the command of commissioned officers.
Non-Commissioned Officer Ranks in the Nigerian Navy (Highest to Lowest)
-
Warrant Chief Petty Officer (WCPO)
Symbol/Insignia: Nigerian Coat of Arms
Role: Senior administrative and technical leader among naval ratings -
Chief Petty Officer (CPO)
Symbol/Insignia: Nigerian eagle
Role: Oversees junior sailors and maintains discipline within a division -
Petty Officer (PO)
Symbol/Insignia: Three chevrons topped by an eagle
Role: Supervises a small section or unit on board -
Leading Seaman
Symbol/Insignia: Two chevrons
Role: Assists the petty officer and oversees a small team of sailors -
Able Seaman
Symbol/Insignia: One chevron
Role: Performs general duties as an experienced sailor under supervision -
Ordinary Seaman
Symbol/Insignia: None
Role: Junior enlisted sailor assisting in ship and base operations -
Trainee/Recruit
Symbol/Insignia: None (under training)
Role: Undergoing basic naval training before confirmation as an Ordinary Seaman
Summary Table of Nigerian Navy Ranks and Symbols (2025)
| Category | Rank | Insignia Description |
|---|---|---|
| Commissioned Officer | Admiral | Eagle, crossed sword & baton, four stars |
| Commissioned Officer | Vice Admiral | Eagle, crossed sword & baton, three stars |
| Commissioned Officer | Rear Admiral | Eagle, crossed sword & baton, two stars |
| Commissioned Officer | Commodore | Eagle, crossed sword & baton, one star |
| Commissioned Officer | Captain | Eagle, crossed sword & baton |
| Commissioned Officer | Commander | One silver star, crossed sword & baton |
| Commissioned Officer | Lieutenant Commander | Eagle |
| Commissioned Officer | Lieutenant | Two stars |
| Commissioned Officer | Sub-Lieutenant | One star |
| Commissioned Officer | Midshipman | Plain board (no emblem) |
| NCO | Warrant Chief Petty Officer | Nigerian Coat of Arms |
| NCO | Chief Petty Officer | Nigerian Eagle |
| NCO | Petty Officer | Three chevrons with eagle above |
| NCO | Leading Seaman | Two chevrons |
| NCO | Able Seaman | One chevron |
| NCO | Ordinary Seaman | No insignia |
| NCO | Recruit | None (in training) |
Understanding Navy Symbols
In the Nigerian Navy, stars and eagles are the most common insignia symbols:
- Eagle represents authority and command.
- Stars indicate the officer’s level or seniority.
- Sword and Baton signify military discipline and leadership.
- Chevrons show rank among enlisted personnel.
The Nigerian Navy’s ranks and insignias play a vital role in maintaining order, discipline, and a clear chain of command throughout the service.
From the entry-level Midshipman to the senior rank of Admiral, each position represents a specific level of training, responsibility, and leadership. The distinctive symbols and insignias displayed on naval uniforms serve not only as markers of rank but also as a testament to the dedication, courage, and commitment of officers in protecting Nigeria’s maritime borders and national interests.