Tinubu commissions new naval ships, aircraft to bolster maritime security

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maritime security with the formal commissioning of newly acquired naval platforms to strengthen Nigeria’s naval operations in the Gulf of Guinea.

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, who represented the President at the commissioning ceremony held Sunday at Nigerian Naval Ship (NNS) BEECROFT in Apapa, Lagos, described the development as a “pivotal milestone” in the Renewed Hope Administration’s drive to safeguard the nation’s maritime domain.

On behalf of the Commander-in-Chief, Matawalle commissioned three capital ships — NNS IKOGOSI, NNS FARO, and NNS SHERE — as well as three AW109 Trekker helicopters. He also inspected Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) at the Naval Air Base in Ojo, Navy Town, which are expected to be integrated into the Nigerian Navy’s surveillance systems soon.

“These platforms are not merely acquisitions; they are strategic force multipliers designed to significantly bolster the Nigerian Navy’s capacity to deter and decisively counter maritime threats,” Matawalle said, listing piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, and transnational organized crime as key threats.

He added that the acquisitions reflect President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the administration’s unwavering focus on national security, maritime dominance, and the protection of Nigeria’s economic assets.

“Nigeria’s maritime future is secure. Our waters will remain guarded. Our sovereignty is non-negotiable,” the minister declared.