Nigerian Navy Ranks and Symbols/Insignia (Updated 2026)
The Nigerian Navy (NN) is the maritime arm of the Nigerian Armed Forces, responsible for safeguarding the country’s territorial waters, enforcing maritime laws, and supporting joint military operations.
Just like the Army and Air Force, the Nigerian Navy operates under a rank structure that ensures order, leadership, and discipline across all levels. Each rank is represented by a unique symbol or insignia, which indicates an officer’s position, authority, and responsibility.
This 2026 updated guide explains all Nigerian Navy ranks and their corresponding symbols/insignias, divided into Commissioned Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers (Ratings).
⚓ 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 (From Highest to Lowest)
- Admiral of the Fleet (Five Stars)
- Symbol/Insignia: Five golden stars surrounding the Nigerian Coat of Arms.
- Notes: This is an 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 the 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 (no stars).
- 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: Departmental head on a ship or base.
- Lieutenant
- Symbol/Insignia: Two silver stars placed horizontally.
- Role: Junior commissioned officer, assists in ship or base management.
- Sub-Lieutenant
- Symbol/Insignia: One silver star.
- Role: Entry-level commissioned officer, often newly graduated 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 Ranks (From Highest to Lowest)
- Warrant Chief Petty Officer (WCPO)
- Symbol/Insignia: Nigerian Coat of Arms.
- Role: Senior administrative and technical leader among ratings.
- Chief Petty Officer (CPO)
- Symbol/Insignia: Nigerian eagle.
- Role: Oversees junior sailors and ensures 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: Assistant to the petty officer; oversees a small team of sailors.
- Able Seaman
- Symbol/Insignia: One chevron.
- Role: Performs general duties; experienced sailor under supervision.
- Ordinary Seaman
- Symbol/Insignia: No insignia.
- Role: Junior enlisted sailor; assists in ship and base operations.
- Trainee/Recruit
- Symbol/Insignia: None (still in training).
- Role: Undergoing basic naval training before confirmation as Ordinary Seaman.
⚓ Summary Table of Nigerian Navy Ranks and Symbols (2026)
| 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.
🎯 Conclusion
The Nigerian Navy’s ranks and insignias are essential for maintaining order, discipline, and a clear chain of command across its structure.
From Midshipman to Admiral, each rank signifies a specific level of training, responsibility, and leadership.
The symbols displayed on the uniforms tell the story of dedication, courage, and commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime borders.
