Nigerian Navy Commissions Warships and Helicopters to Strengthen Maritime Security
Kindly share this story
Nigerian Navy Commissions Warships and Helicopters to Strengthen Maritime Security
In a major move to enhance Nigeria’s maritime defense, the Nigerian Navy has officially inducted three new warships and three helicopters into its fleet. The commissioning ceremony took place at the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT in Apapa, Lagos, as part of events marking the Navy’s 69th anniversary.
The newly inducted assets include three Fast Patrol Boats — NNS SHERE, NNS FARO, and NNS IKOGOSI — as well as three Augusta Westland AW109ST Trekker helicopters.
Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, described the development as a significant leap forward in securing Nigeria’s maritime domain and economic interests.
“The sea has remained a pillar of our nation’s economic prosperity. 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,” he said.
“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.”
Navy, Police Nab Suspected Kidnappers of Lt. Cynthia Akor in Abuja Operation
Dr. Matawalle also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support of the Navy, saying it reflects the administration’s prioritization of national security.
He congratulated the Navy on its anniversary and praised the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, for his leadership in modernizing the fleet and bridging operational gaps.
“Let me also congratulate the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, under whose leadership the Nigerian Navy has pursued fleet modernisation with vigour, bridging capability gaps and restoring pride to our navy. Today’s induction is a fruit of your strategic foresight. I commend you, your team and all partners who turned this vision into a reality.”
He also commended the National Assembly for its bipartisan efforts in funding and oversight, as well as Nigeria’s international partners for their cooperation in boosting regional maritime security.
“To our international allies and technical partners, your collaboration underscores a shared truth that maritime security knows no borders. Together, we are proving that the Gulf of Guinea’s safety is not Nigeria’s burden alone but a global imperative.”
Dr. Matawalle urged officers and ratings to uphold their responsibilities with pride and professionalism.
“To the officers and ratings who will crew the ships and operate the helicopters, you must realise that they are vessels of hope entrusted to you by a nation that believes in your ability to safeguard its destiny. As you operate these assets, remember that the weight of Nigeria’s aspirations rests on your shoulders.”
“As we commission these ships and helicopters, let us envision the future they herald: a future where our waters are impervious to criminality; where fishermen cast their nets in peace; where global trade flows unhindered through our ports. This is not a distant dream but a mission within our reach.”
In his remarks, Vice Admiral Ogalla emphasized that the Navy remains committed to fleet recapitalization and operational efficiency.
He revealed that the new assets are equipped with high-endurance capabilities, advanced surveillance systems, and rapid-response technology designed to significantly improve maritime security and economic activities.
“These platforms, when inducted into the Nigerian Navy fleet, will enhance our operational readiness to carry out our statutory roles. We are also enhancing human capacity development through adequate technical training to ensure proper usage and maintenance of these platforms.”
He added that additional assets are expected to join the Navy this year, including two 76-meter offshore patrol vessels from Turkey, three 46-meter fast patrol boats from China, tugboats and other support vessels.
Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Vice Admiral Kim Pankyu (retd.), also confirmed that one of the vessels was donated by the Korean Navy to strengthen diplomatic ties established between both nations since 1980.
The ceremony highlighted not only the Navy’s modernization efforts but also Nigeria’s strategic intent to protect its waters and secure its blue economy for national prosperity.
