The Nigerian Navy will on Saturday 11 November 2017 launch 20 new patrol boats at NNS DELTA, Warri-Delta State. These comprise of 16 locally built Epenal boats and 4 Rigid Hull Inflatable boats imported from South Africa.
The induction of the boats is part of the key priorities in the Chief of the Naval Staff Strategic Directives for 2017, which is aimed at boosting Nigerian Navy operations. Accordingly, the service deeply appreciates the support of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari towards the recapitalization efforts of the Nigerian Navy.
The newly acquired patrol boats are expected to be deployed to boost the Navy’s ongoing operations in tackling maritime crimes, particularly crude oil theft, illegal refining of crude oil and other unwholesome security threats in the maritime domain.
Furthermore, the Nigerian Navy wishes to use this medium to assure all 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.