January 2, 2015Premium Times

The Nigerian Navy on Friday took delivery of a new warship, NNS OKPABANA, donated by the United States government as part of efforts to tackle security challenges in Nigeria’s waters and the gulf of guinea.

Ownership of the ship was transferred to Nigeria from the U.S. Coastguard in May 2014.

It was the second ship provided by the U.S. government, following the first, NNS Aradu.

Although the ship was a donation, the Nigerian Navy spent about $8.5 million refurbishing the vessel and emplacing its armaments, the News Agency of Nigeria reported Friday.

Receiving the vessel in Lagos, the Chief of Naval Staff, Usman Jibrin, a Vice Admiral, said the addition of the vessel would boost the navy’s war against maritime crimes.

“It is worthy of note to state that the successes recorded by NNS THUNDER in curtailing threats in our maritime domain and the larger Gulf of Guinea region, with the confidence reposed in our country by the USA, that made it possible to acquire NNS OKPABANA,” Mr. Jibrin said.

“The addition of this ship into the NN fleet will certainly bolster our zeal to end the menace in our maritime domain and the region, as well as support the regional and global effort to eliminate transnational maritime threats.

“This nation has always requested the navy to do more and with this, the government recognises that there must be needed platform for the navy to do its job well.

“The present government headed by President Goodluck Jonathan took the recapitalisation of fleets as a huge challenge and has invested huge funds through the acquisition of two Off-Shore Patrol Vessels (OPV) from China and this one from USA.

“It is hoped that by the time we take delivery of all, the NN will be better for it,’’ Mr. Jibrin said.
The U.S-made vessel came at a time of strained relations between Nigeria and the United States, primarily over the fight against extremist group, Boko Haram.

tit:
can it fire missile to Sambissa forest?
that is all i wanna know.

Ilekeh:
Donated and equipped with spying wires abi?
Nigerians are not smart people.
You ever wonder why USA DONATES such equipment to undeveloped countries?

sauceny:
The topic should have been "America dumps another outdated WARSHIP in Nigeria,cos we have no choice"...

simplemach:
I dont trust US oooo...!

tit:
can it fire missile to Sambissa forest?
that is all i wanna know.

ILRNZH:
...... while Tompolo (Government) is acquiring tear rubber warships, Nigerian Navy dey collect scraps.....
The Corruption plan is beating the anti Corruption plan so far.
Oh sorry no anti Corruption plan yet.

SweetJoystick:
Where the pictures of the warships?