Navy to inaugurate 20 patrol boats to boost maritime operations in Delta

The Nigerian Navy, on Friday, said it would inaugurate 20 new patrol boats for service in the Niger Delta to boost maritime security.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Acting Director of Naval Information, Capt. Suleiman Dahun, said that the 20 boats would be inaugurated on Nov. 11 at the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS), Warri-Delta.

“The boats comprise of 16 locally built Epenal boats and four Rigid Hull Inflatable boats imported from South Africa.

“The induction of the boats is part of the key priorities of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Ibok-Ete Ibas’ strategic directives for year 2017, which is aimed at boosting the Nigerian Naval operations.

“Accordingly, the service appreciates the support of President Muhammadu Buhari, towards the recapitalisation efforts of the Nigerian Navy,” he said.

Dahun said the newly acquired patrol boats were expected to be deployed to boost the Navy’s ongoing operations in tackling maritime crimes, particularly crude oil theft, illegal refining of crude oil in the maritime domain.

“The Navy wishes to assure legitimate stakeholders operating in the maritime environment of the readiness of the service to provide efficient security for unhindered socio-economic activities towards national prosperity,” he said.