The Nigerian Navy (NN) has said it will on Saturday launch 20 new patrol boats at NNS DELTA in Warri, Delta.
The Acting Director of Information, Naval Headquarters, Navy Capt. Suleiman Dahun, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja on Friday.
Dahun said the boats comprised 16 locally built Epenal boats and four Rigid Hull Inflatable boats, imported from South Africa.
According to him, the induction of the boats was part of the key priorities in the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Vice- Adm. Ibok Ete-Ibas’s Strategic Directives of 2017.
The Navy spokesman said further that the induction was aimed at boosting the service operations on the Nigerian Navy.
“Accordingly, the service deeply appreciates the support of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari, toward the recapitalisation efforts of the NN.
“The newly acquired patrol boats will be deployed to boost the NN’s ongoing operations in tackling maritime five crimes,’’ he said.
Dahun named the five crimes as: ‘’crude oil theft, illegal refining of crude oil and other unwholesome security threats in maritime domain.”
He assured all legitimate stakeholders operating in the maritime environment of the readiness of the service to provide efficient security for unhindered socio-economic activities and ensure national prosperity.