The Nigerian Navy (NN) has inducted three warships and three helicopters into its fleet for enhanced maritime security.
The induction ceremony, at the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT in Apapa, was organised as part of activities to celebrate the navy’s 69th anniversary.
Inducting the new maritime security platforms, Minister of State, Defence, Bello Matawalle, described the moment as a testament to progress, and a bold stride towards securing Nigeria’s future.
“The sea, has remained a pillar of our nation’s economic prosperity and for the past 69 years, the Nigerian Navy has stood as the guardian of this blue territory. With the addition of these formidable assets, we affirm our commitment to securing Nigeria’s maritime domain.
“These patrol ships and helicopters are force multipliers in our fight against piracy, oil theft, illegal fishing and other maritime crimes. This commissioning is therefore a reflection of our determination to empower our institutions and protect our resources,” he said
Matawalle thanked President Bola Tinubu for his support to the Navy, noting that it demonstrated the priority his administration gives to issues of national security.
Congratulating the Navy on its 69th anniversary, Matawalle assured that the government would continue to prioritize the needs of the service because a strong navy is the cornerstone of a secure and prosperous economy.
Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, listed the new assets as three Fast Patrol Boats- NNS SHERE, NNS FARO and NNS IKOGOSI, as well as three Augusta Westland AW109ST Trekker Helicopters.
The CNS assured that the Navy would continue to carry out fleet recapitalisation to enhance her operational efficiency, adding that the inclusion of the assets would enhance the service’s capability to dominate the maritime space and deny maritime criminal elements freedom of action.
According to him, the inducted warships have high endurance and are equipped with advanced surveillance as well as rapid-response capabilities.
Admiral Ogalla said the three Augusta Westland AW109ST Trekker Helicopters also have long range surveillance and high endurance capabilities, adding that the platforms would complement existing maritime domain awareness capabilities to bolster surveillance and response capabilities for improved maritime security and economic activities.
The CNS said the Navy was expecting several platforms to join her fleet this year including two 76m High Endurance Offshore Patrol Vessels from Turkey, three 46m Fast Patrol Boats from China and Tug Boats, among others.
Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Vice Admiral Kim Pankyu (rtd), said one of the vessels was given by the Korean Navy to cement diplomatic relationships between both countries which began in 1980.
He noted that both countries have worked closely together in many areas like politics, economy and diplomacy, adding that there also shared military cooperation through training and education exchanges among the armed forces
