Nigerian Navy Acquires New Platforms
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Nigerian Navy Acquires New Platforms
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON, has lauded the Nigerian Navy for its significant strides in bolstering its combat capabilities to combat criminal activities and illicit operations within Nigerian territorial waters and the Gulf of Guinea.
The Minister made these remarks during the Passing Out Parade ceremony for batch 34 Trainees of the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School in Onne, Port Harcourt on Saturday.
Matawalle emphasized the importance of the newly acquired platforms as instrumental assets in enhancing the Nigerian Navy’s authority and effectiveness in countering various unlawful activities, including crude oil theft, illegal refining, pipeline vandalism, piracy, and unauthorized and unregulated fishing practices.
He further highlighted that these modern platforms would substantially extend the operational reach and coverage of the Nigerian Navy, particularly in the backwaters and inland waterways.
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Notably, this expansion includes FOB LEKKI, FOB EKPE, Naval Base OGUTA, NOP TARKWA BAY, and NOP SHAGUNU, which were recently established to fortify the Navy’s presence and control.
Addressing the 1,865 trainees of batch 34, the Minister urged them to firmly uphold the core values of the Nigerian Navy, which are grounded in integrity, professionalism, and teamwork.
He stressed that these values serve as the linchpin for success in any assigned mission.
Matawalle commended the Nigerian Navy for its unwavering commitment and dedication.
With the augmented personnel and the acquisition of these new platforms, he expressed confidence that the fight against criminal activities and illicit operations in Nigerian waters and the Gulf of Guinea would experience a significant reduction.
