Ships of the Eastern Fleet

F90Hamilton-class high-endurance cutter · commissioned 2012 · Offshore patrol

115 m40+ days at seaEx-USCGC Chase

NNS Thunder (F90) is a Hamilton-class high-endurance cutter transferred from the U.S. Coast Guard (formerly USCGC Chase) to the Nigerian Navy in 2011 and commissioned in 2012. The 115-meter vessel serves as a key offshore patrol vessel (OPV), tasked with maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, particularly combating piracy and illegal oil theft.

Originally laid down in 1966 at Avondale Shipyards, New Orleans, she served as the USCGC Chase for 43 years, including service in the Vietnam War. Decommissioned by the USCG in March 2011, she was transferred to Nigeria and commissioned into the Nigerian Navy as NNS Thunder (F90) in 2012, significantly boosting Nigeria’s offshore patrol capabilities.

In 2013, NNS Thunder became the first Nigerian naval vessel to participate in the Australian International Fleet Review, making history with female personnel fully active in a long-range deployment. Primarily, it is being used to secure the Niger Delta and Nigeria’s 780-kilometer coastline, serving as a critical asset in combating oil bunkering and maritime smuggling.

NNS Thunder is designed for extended endurance, capable of spending over 40 days at sea to maintain security in West African waters.

F93Hamilton-class offshore patrol vessel · commissioned 2015 · Offshore patrol

115.6 m3,300 t27 knots

Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) OKPABANA is a prominent offshore patrol vessel in the Nigerian Navy, originally built in the United States as USCGC Gallatin, a Hamilton-class high-endurance cutter commissioned in 1968. The ship served the United States Coast Guard for over 40 years, performing missions such as maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, environmental protection, and national defense support, before being decommissioned in 2014.

Following its retirement, the vessel was transferred to Nigeria under a bilateral defense agreement to strengthen maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea. After refurbishment and upgrades, it arrived in Lagos in January 2015 and was commissioned into the Nigerian Navy as NNS OKPABANA, named after a legendary Benin Kingdom warrior known for bravery and loyalty.

NNS OKPABANA is a large and capable patrol vessel, measuring about 115.6 meters in length with a beam of 12.5 meters and a displacement of over 3,300 tons. It has an endurance of up to 45 days at sea and can accommodate about 180 personnel. The ship is powered by a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system, allowing it to reach speeds of up to 27 knots, making it suitable for long-range and rapid-response operations. It is equipped with modern radar and communication systems, a helicopter landing deck, and a 76mm main gun supported by an advanced fire control system, enabling it to engage surface, air, and shore targets.

Since its commissioning, the ship has maintained a strong operational presence, conducting anti-piracy patrols, protecting offshore oil installations, and supporting search and rescue missions. A key highlight of its service was its role in the successful recapture of the hijacked MT Maximus in 2016, demonstrating its effectiveness in combating maritime crime.

Overall, NNS OKPABANA has significantly enhanced the operational capability of the Nigerian Navy and remains a vital asset in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain, protecting economic resources, and promoting regional security.

Seaward Defence Boat (locally built) · commissioned 2021 · Seaward defence

Locally built3rd in series20 mm main gun

Nigerian Navy Ship OJI is a Seaward Defence Boat (SDB), the third in its series of locally built ships after NNS ANDONI and NNS KARADUWA, respectively. The ship was designed and built by Naval Dockyard Limited (NDL) in Nigeria and was commissioned on 9 Dec 21. Her roles include anti-piracy patrols, anti-illegal fishing patrols as well as other policing roles.

NNS OJI was deployed to ENC in Oct 22, since deployment she participated in several operations and exercises which include OP GBA PADA that resulted in repatriation of MT HEROIC IDUN from Equatorial Guinea. Additionally, the Ship successfully participated in CASI 2024, EX OBANGAME EXPRESS 2024, EX AABO OKUN, EX SEA GUARD. Notably, NNS OJI was tasked with retrieving MT NEW ANGEL from CNS JABANE in the Gulf of Guinea which she conducted successfully.

The Ship is borne with a mix of machineries and auxiliaries, which facilitate seamless execution of roles and assigned tasks which include: 2 x C32 Caterpillar Main Diesel Engines, 2 x C9.3 Caterpillar 250KW, 2 x ZF 3060 Gearbox, 2 fire main pumps, fixed CO2 System, Central A/C system and 4 Webasto Compressor units, Steering Gear System made by Rill Widley Incorporated, RHIB boat mounted with 4 stroke 100hp Yamaha engine seated on Vast Davit with 2000kg capacity, and other auxiliary systems like the Windlass, Fuel Oil transfer pump, Seawater pump, Bilge pumps and Fresh water pump.

The Ship is fitted with 20mm main gun installed at the foxle part of the ship. Additionally, the ship is fitted with an AGL mounted at the Quarter deck and 4 x 12.7mm gun along with gun mountings at the quarter and flight decks respectively. The Ship is fitted with an armory located at the fore part of deck 2.

P174Fast offshore patrol vessel · Offshore patrol

38 mSeaward Defence BoatNiger Delta

The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Burutu is a fast offshore patrol vessel (hull number P174) in the Nigerian Navy, acquired to strengthen maritime security and enhance the Navy’s operational presence in the Niger Delta and the Gulf of Guinea. Built as a 38-metre Seaward Defence Boat, the ship is equipped for surveillance, rapid response, and interdiction missions, making it well-suited for combating sea-based crimes. Since its commissioning, NNS Burutu has been actively engaged in anti-piracy operations, protection of oil installations, and the suppression of illegal oil bunkering and crude oil theft, which are prevalent challenges in Nigeria’s maritime environment. The ship has recorded notable operational successes, including the interception and arrest of vessels involved in the illegal transportation of stolen petroleum products, as well as the apprehension of suspects engaged in maritime crimes. In addition, NNS Burutu has participated in key naval exercises such as Exercise Sharkbite, designed to boost combat readiness and coordination among naval units. Through routine patrols, joint operations, and fleet exercises, the vessel continues to contribute significantly to the Nigerian Navy’s mandate of securing the nation’s territorial waters and protecting its vital economic resources.

River Town Class fast patrol boat (OCEA) · commissioned 2018 · Fast patrol

35 mOCEA, FranceRivers State name

Nigerian Navy Ship EKULU is a 35-metre River Town Class Fast Patrol Boat built in France by OCEA to enhance the Nigerian Navy’s maritime surveillance and security capability within Nigeria’s territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone. The vessel successfully completed harbour trials in January 2018, was delivered to Nigeria in April 2018, and was officially commissioned into the Nigerian Navy Fleet on 3 September 2018 at the Naval Dockyard Limited, Lagos.

The ship derives its name from Ekulu, a riverine community in Rivers State, in line with the Nigerian Navy’s tradition of naming ships after Nigerian rivers and coastal settlements. Since its commissioning, NNS EKULU has served as a high-speed patrol platform used for maritime surveillance, anti-piracy operations, suppression of illegal fishing, counter-oil theft operations, and search and rescue missions within the Gulf of Guinea.

The ship has also participated in several national and multinational exercises such as Exercise Obangame Express, Operation Junction Rain, and Operation Okun Alafia, contributing to regional maritime security and cooperation. Through these operations and deployments, NNS EKULU continues to support the Nigerian Navy’s mandate of protecting Nigeria’s maritime domain and safeguarding national maritime interests.

Patrol cutter and buoy tender · commissioned 2002 · Patrol & support

Buoy tenderBuilt in Duluth, USA2002

NNS KYANWA is a patrol cutter and buoy tender in the fleet of the Nigerian Navy. Originally built in Duluth, Minnesota, USA, by Marine Iron and Shipping Corporation, the vessel was designed to support aids-to-navigation operations such as maintaining buoys and maritime markers. She was later commissioned into the Nigerian Navy on 30 September 2002, where her role expanded to include broader maritime security duties.

Since her induction, NNS KYANWA has actively participated in several key operations and exercises, including Operations TSARE TEKU I–IV, PULO SHIELD, and AWATSE, as well as multinational exercises like OBANGAME EXPRESS and EAGLE EYE. These engagements have contributed to efforts to combat piracy, illegal fishing, and other maritime crimes in Nigerian waters.

In her operational history, the ship has recorded several successes, including the interception of undocumented passenger vessels, unauthorized fishing vessels, and an oil tanker handed over to NNS PATHFINDER in December 2017. Overall, NNS KYANWA has evolved into a versatile and reliable asset, playing an important role in ensuring maritime security and safeguarding national interests.

Cat-class logistics ship · commissioned 2003 · Patrol & support

Cat-class40 mm gunsEx-USCGC Cowslip

NNS Ologbo is a Nigerian Navy Cat-class logistics ship, formerly the US Coast Guard cutter USCGC Cowslip, which joined the Nigerian Navy fleet around March 2003. The vessel is heavily armed, featuring 40mm and 12.7mm guns, and is primarily tasked with patrolling the Niger Delta for anti-oil theft, illegal bunkering, and piracy operations. It is a Cat-class vessel (“Armed-in-Nigeria”) formerly in service with the U.S. Coast Guard.

The vessel became part of the Nigerian Navy fleet along with NNS Kyanwa around March 2003. NNS Ologbo operates within the Eastern Naval Command, often patrolling the creeks and backwaters, including the route from Calabar to Brass.

The vessel is actively involved in the fight against oil theft and illegal refineries in the Niger Delta region. In 2023, it was reported in the context of security challenges affecting personnel who had served aboard the vessel. Some online tracking databases may erroneously list its current status or flag due to AIS data limitations, but it is a known unit within the Nigerian Navy inventory.

P198Seaward Defence Boat / fast patrol boat · commissioned 2025 · Seaward defence

38 m“Sea Eagle”Commissioned 2025

NNS Shere (P198) is a modern patrol vessel in the Nigerian Navy, specifically designated as a Seaward Defence Boat (SDB) or fast patrol boat. It was recently commissioned to enhance maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.

NNS Shere was officially commissioned into the Nigerian Navy fleet on May 31, 2025, by President Bola Tinubu (represented by Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle) as part of the Nigerian Navy’s 69th-anniversary celebrations.

The vessel arrived in Nigeria in December 2024 along with its sister ships, NNS Faro and NNS Ikogosi. According to reports, NNS Shere and NNS Faro are 38-meter “Sea Eagle” vessels, while some reports indicated they were acquired from Singapore.

The vessel was acquired to bolster the Nigerian Navy’s capacity to counter maritime threats, including piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, and transnational organized crime. NNS Shere operates within Nigeria’s littorals and the 24-nautical-mile contiguous zone to protect economic assets and provide security in the Gulf of Guinea. NNS Shere is designed to function as a fast patrol boat with high endurance (around five days), increasing the Navy’s presence at sea.

Seaward Defence Boat (OCEA FPB 98 MKI) · commissioned 2024 · Seaward defence

32 mOCEA, FranceCommissioned 2024

NNS ZUR is a 32-meter Seaward Defence Boat (SDB) commissioned by the Nigerian Navy on May 30, 2024, to enhance maritime security and combat piracy, illegal fishing, and oil theft. Part of a fleet renewal effort, it was ordered from OCEA and delivered in 2023, specifically designed for coastal surveillance.

Commissioned along with NNS OCHUZOR and NNS CHALAWA during the Nigerian Navy’s 68th Anniversary celebration in Lagos. The vessel is part of a contract for FPB 98 MKI vessels, following a 2022 order from French shipbuilder OCEA.

Its deployment aims to strengthen the Nigerian Navy’s presence at sea and combat maritime criminal activities, including sea robbery and smuggling within Nigeria’s 84,000 sq nm maritime environment. NNS ZUR operates along with other newly acquired assets to protect Nigeria’s maritime interests and support the national Blue Economy initiatives.

P177OCEA FPB 72 MKII fast patrol boat · commissioned 2012 · Fast patrol

FPB 72 MKIIP177MT Norte action, 2013

The NNS Badagry is a vital asset of the Nigerian Navy, specifically designed for high-speed coastal surveillance and maritime security. Here is its brief history and technical profile. The NNS Badagry is a Fast Patrol Boat (FPB), specifically the OCEA FPB 72 MKII model. Its official pennant number is: P177

The vessel was built by the French shipyard OCEA and delivered to the Nigerian Navy in 2012. It was part of a strategic fleet renewal to combat rising piracy and oil theft in the Gulf of Guinea. One of its most famous engagements occurred on August 13, 2013. The NNS Badagry intercepted the hijacked oil tanker MT Norte, which had been seized by pirates. After the pirates refused to surrender and opened fire, the crew of the NNS Badagry engaged in a 30-minute gun battle, successfully neutralizing 12 pirates and rescuing the vessel.

Today, it remains an active “mobile” asset, typically deployed for Counter-piracy and anti-smuggling operations, Protecting offshore oil installations, Search and rescue (SAR) missions.

FPB 72 fast patrol boat (OCEA) · commissioned 2018 · Fast patrol

24 mFPB 72Commissioned 2018

NNS Gongola is a Nigerian Navy Fast Patrol Boat (FPB 72 type) delivered by France’s Ocea shipyard in January 2018 and commissioned on September 3, 2018. As a 24-meter military operations vessel (MMSI: 657754000), it is primarily used for coastal patrols, maritime surveillance, and anti-piracy operations, frequently operating in the Gulf of Guinea.

It was inaugurated alongside other Ocea vessels (NNS Shiroro, Ose, Calabar) to enhance maritime domain awareness and interdiction capabilities, particularly against oil theft and illegal bunkering.

According to data from Vessel Finder, it is classified as a “Military Ops” vessel, actively serving under the Nigerian flag for security duties, including patrol and protection of oil and gas assets.

NNS Gongola was involved in the security operations tracking the tanker MT Heroic Idun in 2022, which attempted to evade arrest in Nigerian waters.

P186FPB 72 MKII fast patrol boat (OCEA) · commissioned 2017 · Fast patrol

24 mFPB 72 MKIICommissioned 2017

NNS OSE (P186) is a 24-meter Fast Patrol Boat (FPB) operated by the Nigerian Navy, commissioned in 2017 to combat piracy, oil theft, and conduct search and rescue. Built by OCEA in France, the vessel is part of a 2017/2018 fleet expansion aimed at boosting maritime security in Nigeria’s territorial waters. Commissioned into the Nigerian Navy in 2017 to strengthen maritime security alongside sister ships.

It was built by OCEA (France) as an FPB 72 MKII class vessel, designed for coastal patrol, anti-piracy, and surveillance.

In April 2020, it rescued crew members aboard the container ship ‘TOMMI RITSCHER’ after it was boarded by pirates. Also rescued 20 crew members from a burning cargo vessel (MV Chimba Express) in the Oron–Calabar waterways in November 2025. Frequently operates under the Eastern Naval Command in the Gulf of Guinea.

NNS OSE remains active in the Nigerian Navy fleet, contributing to maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea. NNS Ose (P186) is a small patrol boat operated by the Nigerian Navy. She was commissioned in 2017, along with half a dozen sister ships.

24 m coastal patrol vessel · Offshore patrol

24 mCoastal securityENC area of responsibility

NNS IBUSA (MMSI: 657123457) is a 24-meter Nigerian Navy patrol vessel. Primarily utilized for coastal security, she has been actively involved in maritime surveillance and law enforcement operations within the Eastern Naval Command’s area of responsibility.

NNS Ibusa has played a key role in policing the Gulf of Guinea. In July 2014, the vessel was instrumental in arresting the merchant ship MT Itiri, which was linked to a hijacking incident off the Pennington Terminal.

As part of the Eastern Naval Command, the ship participates in regular fleet exercises, such as Exercise NDIKARA, to test personnel skills in handling maritime threats like piracy and oil theft. The vessel has been commanded by, or served as a duty post for, personnel dedicated to securing Nigeria’s maritime domain.

NNS Ibusa is distinct from larger locally built vessels like NNS Andoni or NNS Oji.

Seaward Defence Boat (first indigenous build) · commissioned 2012 · Seaward defence

31.3 mFirst indigenous shipBuilt in Lagos

Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) ANDONI is the first indigenous ship built by the Nigerian Navy, representing a major milestone in the country’s drive for self-reliance in naval shipbuilding. The idea to construct the vessel was conceived in 2007 during the tenure of Vice Admiral GTA Adekeye as Chief of the Naval Staff, alongside Rear Admiral GJ Jonah, then Chief of Naval Engineering, with the aim of developing local capacity for ship construction.

The ship, a 31.3-metre Seaward Defence Boat, was built at the Nigerian Naval Dockyard in Victoria Island, Lagos, by Nigerian Navy engineers. After about four and a half years of construction, NNS ANDONI was commissioned on 1 June 2012 by former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, marking a significant achievement in Nigeria’s naval engineering capability. The ship was named after the Andoni people of Rivers State, symbolizing resilience and vigilance.

Following its commissioning, NNS ANDONI was initially deployed to the Western Fleet before being transferred to the Eastern Fleet in March 2015. Since then, it has continued to serve as a key operational asset, contributing to maritime security and demonstrating the Nigerian Navy’s indigenous shipbuilding prowess.

Ford-class seaward defence boat · commissioned 1966 · Seaward defence

35.74 mFord-classAcquired 1966

NNS Benin was a 35.74-meter Ford-class seaward defence boat acquired by the Nigerian Navy from Britain in September 1966. One of a triad (with NNS Kaduna and NNS Ibadan), she was originally a 1950s British vessel, re-commissioned in Nigeria for patrol, and played a notable role during the Nigerian Civil War.

It was acquired as part of a trio of Ford Class seaward defence boats purchased from the British Royal Navy that arrived at the Naval Dockyard in Apapa, Lagos, in October 1966.

The vessel served as a patrol boat along the Nigerian coast during the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970). Served alongside NNS Ogoja, Kaduna, and Ibadan to enforce a blockade and secure coastal areas. The vessel is representative of the early maritime expansion of the Nigerian Navy following its independence from the British Royal Navy.

P167Brooke Marine Town-class fast patrol craft · commissioned 1974 · Fast patrol

32.6 mBrooke Marine20.5 knots

NNS Makurdi (P167) is a 32.6-meter Brooke Marine Town-class fast patrol craft that has served in the Nigerian Navy for over five decades, commissioned on August 14, 1974. Primarily used for coastal patrol and surveillance. Part of a series of patrol boats built by Brooke Marine in the United Kingdom during the 1970s. She has a length of 107 ft (approx. 32.6 meters), a beam of 20 ft, and a displacement of 115 tons (143 tons full).

Powered by two Paxman Ventura 12CM diesel engines driving two shafts, achieving a cruising speed of 12 knots and a maximum speed of 20.5 knots. Historically fitted with Emerlec 30mm twin AA/surface guns and Radar TM-1229A. As of 2013, NNS Makurdi was cited as the third longest-serving ship of the Nigerian Navy, with a career exceeding 39 years.

Photograph not yet available
NNS SHIRORO

FPB 72 Mk II fast patrol boat (OCEA) · commissioned 2018 · Fast patrol

24 mFPB 72 Mk IIMotto: Search for Victory

NNS Shiroro is a 24-metre Fast Patrol Boat (FPB) built by OCEA in 2017 under the FPB 72 Mk II design. The vessel was inducted into the Nigerian Navy on 3 September 2018 alongside her sister ship, NNS Ose, and has since operated as part of the fleet under NNS Jubilee.

Named after Shiroro in Niger State, the ship was acquired to strengthen Nigeria’s rapid-response capability in coastal and littoral environments. From the start, it has been actively engaged in maritime security operations, including anti-piracy patrols, anti-smuggling missions, suppression of illegal oil bunkering, and protection of offshore oil and gas infrastructure.

Operationally, NNS Shiroro has been a regular asset within the Eastern Naval Command Area of Responsibility, particularly across the Niger Delta. A key moment in its deployment history came in August 2025, when the vessel was redeployed from Bonny, Rivers State to ALSCON Jetty in Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State. This move was part of a broader naval strategy to tighten surveillance and reinforce security around critical national assets.

Beyond combat and patrol duties, the ship also serves as a training platform, giving naval personnel hands-on experience in navigation, engineering, seamanship, and maritime interdiction operations.

Guided by its motto, “Search for Victory,” NNS Shiroro has remained a consistent and reliable operational platform, contributing significantly to the Nigerian Navy’s mandate of securing the nation’s maritime domain since its commissioning.