The Nigerian Navy marked its 69th anniversary on 31 May by commissioning three patrol vessels and three AW109 Trekker helicopters at a ceremony held at NNS Beecroft, Apapa, Lagos.
President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, presided over the commissioning, emphasising the government’s commitment to empowering the Navy to protect Nigeria’s maritime interests. Matawalle described the event as “a declaration of resolve, a testament to progress, and a bold stride towards securing our nation’s future,” highlighting the critical role the Navy plays in safeguarding the nation’s economic lifeline and deterring maritime crimes in the Gulf of Guinea.
“The sea has remained a pillar of our nation’s economic prosperity, and for the past 69 years, the Nigerian Navy has stood as the guardian of this blue territory. These patrol ships and helicopters are force multipliers in our fight against piracy, oil theft, illegal fishing, and other maritime crimes. This inauguration is therefore a reflection of our determination to empower our institutions and protect our resources,” Matawalle said.
The newly commissioned ships are NNS Shere, NNS Faro, and NNS Ikogosi. Two Sea Eagle class vessels were acquired from Singapore and one from South Korea, all arriving in Nigeria in December 2024. These vessels are designed to serve as Seaward Defence boats, patrolling Nigeria’s littoral waters up to the 24-nautical-mile contiguous zone and capable of extended operations when necessary. Their addition is expected to significantly enhance the Navy’s presence and rapid response at sea, the Nigerian Navy said.
The three AW109 Trekker helicopters (NN501, NN502 and NN503), procured by the Ministry of Defence and delivered in late 2024, are equipped for a range of missions, including air reconnaissance, search and rescue, air insertion, and medical evacuation.
The ceremony also underscored international cooperation, with the South Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Vice Admiral Kim Pankyu (rtd), highlighting the diplomatic and security ties between the two nations. He noted that the gifting of one of the ships, NNS Ikogosi (a Chamsuri-class patrol boat), symbolises the strong partnership and shared commitment to maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, a region vital for global shipping and trade.
“Nigeria and Korea have enjoyed fruitful cooperation since 1980, not only in politics and economy but also in military training and education exchanges,” he said. “This vessel is not only a gift but a symbol of friendship and trust between Korea and Nigeria. I believe this ship will help both countries grow together in peace and prosperity – beyond just military cooperation.”
The fleet expansion comes as the Nigerian Navy continues to lead anti-crude oil theft efforts and maintain a zero-piracy record in Nigerian waters. The new assets will further support operations like Operation Delta Sanity and enhance the Navy’s ability to respond to emerging threats, protect national resources, and contribute to regional stability.
In addition to the commissioning of the ships and helicopters, the Navy also inaugurated new accommodation facilities for personnel, reflecting a holistic approach to improving operational readiness and welfare.
Earlier in the week, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, inspected several ongoing projects in Lagos area including construction of Seaward Defence Boats IV and V at the Naval Dockyard Limited.
The Seaward Defence Boats (SDB) are locally manufactured sea-going vessels constructed by Nigerian Navy ship builders and engineers. The first SDB, NNS Andoni, was completed in 2012, the second (NNS Karaduwa) was completed in 2016 and the third, NNS Oji, was completed in 2021. All three vessels are still in the service of the Nigerian Navy. It is expected that the fourth and fifth will be completed soon.
