The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Ibok-Ete Ibas, says the Nigerian Navy will soon take delivery of additional platforms to boost its operational efficiency.
Ibas disclosed this on Monday at the opening ceremony of the “2018 Nigerian Navy Retreat” in Sapele, Delta.
The CNS said the Navy had greatly sanitised the nation’s maritime domain of criminal activities.
He attributed the feat over the years to the acquisition platforms and the adoption of local maintenance strategy.
The Naval chief said the Retreat was organised to provide an atmosphere for the navy to deliberate on issues of concern.
According to him, the recent successes recorded by the navy were as a result of the implemented security strategies adopted at the 2015 retreat held in Asaba.
He urged the navy not to relent in its efforts at providing conducive atmosphere in the nation’s maritime space.
“The Nigerian Navy has acquired two brand new OPVs (Offshore Patrol Vessels), several IPCs (Inshore Patrol Crafts).
“The Nigerian Navy has added about 200 locally built flat bottomed boats for brown water operations.
“In the next few weeks, two more newly-built 35 meter SDBs from France will be injected into the NN fleet.
“These acquisitions will greatly enhance NN’s ability to perform its statutory roles,” he said.
Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta said the State Government would continue to support the Nigerian Navy.
Okowa, who was represented by the Secretary to the Delta Government, Mr Ovie Agas, said the Nigerian Navy was strategic to the state and deserved government assistance.
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