Navy to unveil 3 patrol vessels, 3 helicopters at 69th anniversary

In commemoration of its 69th anniversary, the Nigerian Navy is set to commission three new patrol vessels and three newly acquired helicopters.

Chief of Policy and Plans at Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral Ibrahim Abdullahi Dewu, made the disclosure at a press briefing in Abuja on Monday to commence the Navy week scheduled to run from May 23 to June 1, 2025.

He stated that the new acquisitions underscore the Navy’s unwavering commitment to maritime security and its constitutional roles.

The three new patrol vessels, identified as NNS SHERE, NNS FARO, and NNS IKOGOSI, are approximately 38 meters long with an endurance of five days.

Two of these vessels were acquired from Singapore, and one from South Korea, all having arrived in Nigeria in December 2024.

According to Rear Admiral Dewu, these vessels will serve as Seaward Defence boats within Nigeria’s littorals and contiguous zones, extending their reach in hot pursuit when necessary, thereby significantly improving the Navy’s presence at sea.

In addition to the vessels, he said the Navy will also commission three more Agusta Westland 109 Trekker helicopters, bringing the total number of helicopters in the Nigerian Navy inventory to 14.

He said the annual event commemorates the establishment of the Nigerian Navy as part of the Armed Forces of Nigeria on June 1, 1956.

Rear Admiral Dewu used the occasion to highlight the Navy’s recent achievements, particularly its robust efforts in combating crude oil theft under Operation Delta Sanity.

He highlighted significant successes, including the arrest of 215 suspects and 26 vessels, as well as the deactivation of 468 illegal refinery sites in 2024 alone.

He added, “Also, an estimated quantity of 6.5 million litres of stolen crude oil and 7 million litres of illegally refined Automated Gas Oil were seized and appropriately handled.

“Furthermore, 361 wooden boats, 1,107 dugout pits and 279 storage tanks were deactivated. Since January 2025, more than 103 Illegal Refinery Sites have been destroyed and 34 suspects linked to crude oil theft have been arrested.

“Also, 39 wooden boats and one ship involved in this menace were also seized. Additionally, approximately 773,000 litres of crude oil and 150,000 litres of refined products have been recovered this year. All these efforts have impacted positively on Nigeria’s crude oil production, in line with the President and Commander-in-Chief’s directive to eradicate Crude Oil Theft in order to ramp up Nigeria’s oil production and exports.”

Rear Admiral Dewu also disclosed plans by the Navy to establish a Special Operations Command in Makurdi, Benue State.

The Command, he said, will be situated on the North Bank of the River Benue and would complement the efforts of sister services and other security agencies to improve the security situation in the Middle Belt region.

On the 69th Anniversary celebration, he said it will feature a range of activities, including special prayers, medical outreaches, a sailing competition, and the unveiling of the newly remodeled auditorium of the International Maritime Institute of Nigeria.

A major highlight of the Navy week will be the commissioning ceremony of the new ships and helicopters on Saturday, May 31, at NNS BEECROFT Apapa, Lagos, culminating with a Ceremonial Sunset and Dinner on Sunday, June 1, 2025.