Army Chief Unveils Cenotaph for 11 NDA Cadets Lost in 1990 Training Accident

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has unveiled a cenotaph at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School in Onne to honour 11 Nigerian Defence Academy cadets who died during a boat handling exercise on July 23, 1990. Shaibu, himself a member of the 41 Regular Course, described the monument as a sacred place of remembrance for the young officers whose lives were cut short. He paid tribute to their sacrifice and said their memory would inspire future generations. Also speaking at the wreath-laying ceremony, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Adm. Idi Abbas, commended those who saw the project through. He highlighted ongoing efforts to improve training safety, including risk assessments, better emergency response measures, and enhanced instructor development. Both service chiefs extended their condolences to the families, pledging that Nigeria will never forget the cadets’ courage and commitment.

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