The Federal Government of Nigeria under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu on Saturday 31st May, 2025 commissioned a new fleet of high-end naval assets to bolster the Nigerian Navy’s operational reach and strategic defence capability.
In a statement by the Personal Assistant to the Minister of State for Defence, Ahmad Dan-Wudil said the President stated this at the commissioning ceremony held at Nigerian Navy Service BEECROFT Apapa, Lagos.
The President who was represented by the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, inducted into service three advanced warships, three AW109 Trekker helicopters, and inspected newly acquired Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), that are to be integrated into the Nigerian Navy’s Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) architecture.
The new warships—NNS IKOGOSI, NNS FARO, and NNS SHERE—alongside the helicopters, are tailored to reinforce Nigeria’s maritime security architecture and enhance interdiction operations within the Gulf of Guinea, a critical axis of regional and global maritime trade.
The President emphasized that "These patrol ships and helicopters are force multipliers in our fight against piracy, oil theft, illegal fishing, and other maritime crimes. Their induction reflects our determination to empower institutions and safeguard national resources.”
He further commended the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, noting that his leadership has reenergized the Navy’s modernization drive.
“Under Vice Admiral Ogalla, the Nigerian Navy has pursued fleet modernization with vigour—bridging capability gaps and restoring pride to our naval heritage. Today’s commissioning is the fruit of strategic foresight, and I commend you and your team.”
Acknowledging the legislative backing behind this milestone, the President lauded the National Assembly for its bipartisan support in funding and oversight.
The Commander in Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces also extended gratitude to Nigeria’s international partners for their technical collaboration and defence cooperation, stating “Together, we are proving that the Gulf of Guinea’s safety is not Nigeria’s burden alone, but a global imperative. Maritime security knows no borders.”
Addressing naval officers and ratings, President Ahmed Tinubu charged them to embrace their critical national duty with discipline and patriotism.
“These assets are vessels of hope, entrusted to you by a nation that believes in your ability to safeguard its destiny. As you operate these platforms, remember you carry the aspirations of millions” he said.
Following the ceremonial commissioning and parade, the President conducted a detailed inspection of the new platforms where the Commanding officers and crew also provided mission briefings, highlighting each asset’s operational capabilities, strategic mission profile, and role in maritime enforcement.
The visit proceeded to Naval Air Base, Ojo (Navy Town) where the Minister witnessed a live flight demonstration of the newly acquired UAVs, soon to be integrated into the Navy’s ISR operations to deliver real-time maritime situation reports and supporting mission planning across Nigeria’s coastal defence perimeter.
This commissioning ceremony marks a pivotal chapter in Nigeria’s maritime defence evolution, underscoring the Federal Government’s resolute commitment to protecting the sovereignty, economic assets, and territorial waters of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
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