₦airaland Forum

kabe1:
It has been confirmed, Nigeria not Niger would be getting 12 MI-35m attack helicopters.


·
[b]Oct 23
Interesting: Russian FSMTC official Anatoly Punchuk says a contract was signed for the delivery of 12 Mi-35 attack helicopters to Niger
Derek Bisaccio
@DerekBisaccio
Evidently Russian media dropped the ball on this one. Though it was said to be a contract between Russia and Niger https://reuters.com/article/us-russia-africa-niger-helicopters/russia-signs-deal-to-supply-niger-with-12-attack-helicopters-ria-idUSKBN1X220T

All of the original articles saying that on various media agencies have been updated, changing "Niger" to "Nigeria"
Russia & Niger ink deal for delivery of MI-35 combat helicopters — RT Business News
rt.com
1:43 PM · Oct 24, 2019·Twitter Web App
1
Like
Derek Bisaccio
@DerekBisaccio
·
Oct 24
Replying to
@DerekBisaccio
Worth noting that a dozen Mi-35s, even priced conservatively, would come to a cost of virtually the entire annual Nigerien defense budget.
Derek Bisaccio
@DerekBisaccio
·
Oct 24
For whatever reason, Russian media seems to screw up the Nigeria Mi-35 contract in big ways when Punchuk speaks on it. A few years back a routine comment on the deal was misconstrued to be a reference to a new deal for Su-30s for Nigeria
Quote Tweet

Derek Bisaccio
@DerekBisaccio
· Jun 26, 2017
Replying to @DerekBisaccio
Answer: It was a misquote. He said Nigeria to receive 10 Mi-35Ms in 2018, not Su-30s. Sputnik misquoted. https://ria.ru/defense_safety/20170626/1497284437.html
[/b]


https://ria.ru/amp/20191023/1560099054.html?__twitter_impression=true

I still doubt it's Nigeria ��. We are yet to receive our remaining 8 gunships from them.why should it be MI35 again why not the MIG they are interested

andrewza:
i would need a lot more info on the Ezugwu before I could say it is good or bad. How heavy is it, was is the armor rated at, what is the cargo storage like, how powerful is the engine, extra extra. For now it a metal box on wheels

if u don't know don't talk..cos u may never know or get any info on the vehicle..
Why did u just call it metal box on wheels are u a MRAP expert

bidexiii:
Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola the minister of interior Represented President Muhammadu Buhari at the Official Ground Breaking Ceremony for the Takeoff of DICON-SUR Investment Nigeria
Limited Clothing and Accessories Factory at the DICON Ordinance Factories Complex, Kaduna.

pls has anyone gotten any closer pics to some of the hardware and vehicles...I saw a new special forces vehicle..

jteku:
How true is this !!!
Russia hands Nigeria 12 attack helicopters after Buhari meets Putin



ttps://www.pulse.ng/news/local/russia-hands-nigeria-12-attack-helicopters/jkb9jp7?Echobox=1572005284#utm_term=Autofeed&utm_campaign=Pulse-Nigeria-Main&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook

it supposed to be Niger republic not Nigeria...

kabe1:
Ezugwu MRAP APC

now dats more like it..

Odunayaw:
Sure as hell it does! That's where the monster bureaucracy will come in and it wouldn't go far.

As that vehicle is now, it has a long road before celebration. It looks like Army is putting the cart before the horse as usual

pls state some of the upgrade need.i like to hear some

This was how ARA started there would possibly be an upgrade..RWS should be the primary Weaponry of this vehicle.I noticed they added window blocks at the side.unlike the first time we saw it..

RTSC:
An mrap is for mines protection.

More military men have died from hidden mines than from RPGs.

Bokoharam hides mines for our soldiers on the battlefield as an ambush tactic.
If it can stop such death, then the job is done.

Though I would expect them to improve the RPG resistance capability as time goes on and increase the gun power.

I know MRAP are specifically for Mine protection and ambushes too.But if it should withstand RPG.Then it must have to be heavier than a tank due to it's armor.A RPG is made specifically to counter tanks

noisy45:
Pls I have a video of what an RPG did to a Russian T-90 armored tank in syria. RPG-29 will scatter that nonsense of Naija built MRAP.

Didn't u get what I said..An MRAP can NOT stand a RPG round..

noisy45:
Nonsense that boko boys will blow off with RPG of MANPAD

ordinary a MRAP can't stand a RPG round..But before BHT will think of firing the sight of Ezugwu will send cold to there bones

portplus:
Good one!
But where is the locally built drone commissioned by GEJ?

That drone was not completed.it was a research to look more into drone technology..the finished product is tsaigumi UAV.

kabe1:
Made in Nigeria Security equipment

Kabe1 pls what's the occasion that they're displaying all these..I love dat new vehicle I'm seeing very nice Special forces vehicle

oyinpr:
Nigeria To Buy 12 Attack Helicopters From Russia
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.dailysabah.com/defense/2019/10/24/russia-lands-bombers-in-south-africa-sells-helicopters-to-nigeria/amp

I knew it was not Nigeria cos I was wondering 12mi35 again...

Jimi24:
Yes. Cameroon would by Pantsir for just one reason although they lied by saying it was because of Boko Haram.
They are buying it because Nigeria is getting JF 17Block 2 and possibly SU 30s.

Even if it's because of Us I don't think the Pantsir will be enough to possibly stop the JF17. just saying

seankafor:
we I'll start smiling when it's been implemented.

Abi.. I want to see what's involved

CAS HOSTS PRESIDENT AIRBUS AFRICA, URGES GREATER SUPPORT FOR AIRCRAFT, EQUIPMENT SERVICEABILITY

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has urged Airbus Africa & Middle East to improve its maintenance and logistical support to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in the areas of training and prompt provision of spares in order to better serve the NAF in its efforts at dealing with the security challenges confronting the Nation. The CAS made this known today, 23 October 2019, while receiving the President Airbus Africa & Middle East, Mr Mikail Houari, and other executives of the Company on a courtesy visit at Headquarters NAF Abuja.

Speaking further, the CAS highlighted that the nature of the threats confronting Nigeria required strategic partnerships at governmental and non-governmental levels, not just within Africa but also in Europe and other parts of the world. The CAS observed that, by virtue its human and natural resource endowment as well as its Geo-strategic location, Nigeria deserves the support of all its partners and friends to deal with the security challenges facing it. He noted that the NAF, in synergy with sister Services and other security agencies, has continued to work assiduously to protect the lives and properties of Nigerians. He further said NAF personnel were wholeheartedly committed, highly motivated, willing, able and ready to deal with the terrorists and other criminal elements to ensure a secured Nigeria. He noted however that this would require the support of friends and partners, through the provision of robust technical support and training for more effective and efficient employment of Air Power. Air Marshal Abubakar stressed that Airbus Africa and other companies could play their part, in this regard, by ensuring shortened delivery times while also providing more comprehensive after sales services.

In his response, Mr Mikail Houari commended the NAF for its immense contributions as well as the sacrifices made by its personnel in the fight against insurgency and other forms of criminality in the Country. He noted that Airbus Africa was extremely proud of being a part of the NAF’s contributions to national security over the years. He said the Company, being a responsible partner, was not unaware of the needs of the Service at this critical time and would do its utmost to meet these requirements. He promised that Airbus Africa would continue to do its best to provide needed equipment, spares, services as well as training, in a timely and cost-effective manner. In reiterating their commitment to Nigeria, Mr Houari, stated that the Company had established a foundation to support young technology start-up companies, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility. This, he said, was another way of recognizing the critical importance of Nigeria and indeed the whole of Africa to Airbus.

Others present at the event were Headquarters NAF Principal Staff Officers as well as Airbus Africa & Middle East executives. One of the highlights of the visit was the presentation of models of 2 Airbus-produced aircraft to the CAS.

IBIKUNLE DARAMOLA
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations and Information
Nigerian Air Force

Some people prayers Have finally been answered.. Nigeria and Russia signed an agreement for direct procurement of milltary hardwares on a government-to-government basis at a lower cost

NAF JETS NEUTRALIZE SEVERAL TERRORISTS AT BUKAR MERAM IN BORNO STATE

In continuation of the sustained onslaught against terrorist elements in the Northeast of the Country, the Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE has neutralized several Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters at Bukar Meram on the fringes of Lake Chad in the northern part of Borno State. The operation was executed yesterday, 21 October 2019, based on credible intelligence reports that indicated a resumption of the use of the location to provide logistics support to the terrorists, using fishing activities as a cover. Accordingly, the ATF dispatched its attack aircraft to engage designated areas within the settlement.

Before the strikes, over 35 terrorists were observed within the area of interest. The attack aircraft subsequently engaged the location in successive passes recording accurate hits on the target area, leading to the neutralization of several ISWAP fighters as well as the destruction of some of the structures.

The NAF, operating in concert with surface forces, will sustain its efforts to completely destroy all remnants of the terrorists in the Northeast.

IBIKUNLE DARAMOLA
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations and Information
Nigerian Air Force

The family of Thunders

NAF HOLDS 2019 THIRD QUARTER CAS CONFERENCE, RECORDS SEVERAL ACHIEVEMENTS IN 3 MONTHS

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) yesterday, 21 October 2019, commenced its Third Quarter Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Conference at the Headquarters NAF (HQ NAF) Abuja. During the Conference, the CAS, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, highlighted several achievements recorded by the Service over the last 3 months, which had enhanced it's ability to better serve Nigerians. Some of the achievements, he noted, include the sustained air onslaught against terrorists, insurgents and other criminal elements; winging of 13 additional young pilots, including the first NAF female fighter and helicopter pilots; sustenance of high serviceability rate of flyable NAF aircraft; reactivation of NAF C-130H aircraft (NAF 917) and EC-135 helicopter as well as fabrication of hydraulic diaphragm for the L-39ZA aircraft amongst other NAF Research and Development (R & D) breakthroughs.

The CAS reiterated that the objective of holding such Conferences was to critically evaluate the performance of the Service in the past quarter in order to identify areas where successes had been recorded whilst also noting areas that require improvement. On acquisition of aircraft, he revealed that the NAF would take delivery of 2 additional attack helicopters from Italy before the end of the year, while also noting that the Super Tucano contract with the United States Government was progressing as expected, with necessary infrastructure for the security and maintenance of the aircraft steadily being emplaced at the designated NAF Base. Air Marshal Abubakar added that the process for the acquisition of the NAF JF-17 Thunder multi-role fighter aircraft from Pakistan was also progressing steadily, as assured by the Pakistan Air Force CAS, who had visited Nigeria the week before. On reactivation of aircraft, the CAS noted that the NAF had commenced the in-country maintenance of an Mi-35P helicopter gunship at its Base in Port Harcourt, while the Periodic Depot Maintenance (PDM) of another C-130H aircraft (NAF 913) was also progressing on schedule for completion in February 2020.

According to the CAS, the NAF’s R & D posture of looking inwards to source for and fabricate some aircraft spares within the Country in order to save foreign exchange was yielding positive results. He noted that the Service was partnering with Ibeto Nigeria Limited in Nnewi to produce aircraft batteries while also working with another Nigerian Company in Ibadan to produce hydraulic diaphragms for the NAF L-39ZA trainer aircraft. He also highlighted that the Service had continued to focus on improving the welfare of personnel, being the most critical factor to the success of its operations. In that regard, the CAS stated that the Service was in the process of recruiting doctors, nurses and other medical professionals as Direct Short Service and Direct Regular Commission officers, to boost the quality of healthcare services provided to personnel and their families at the various NAF Hospitals. Air Marshal Abubakar emphasized that the NAF would continue to strategize to evolve innovative ways to enhance its ability to more effectively and efficiently employ Air Power in response to Nigeria's national security imperatives.

The CAS Conference is a quarterly meeting of Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding (AOC) from the 6 NAF Commands, Commandants, Directors, Unit Commanders and Air Vice Marshals in Abuja, which is aimed at appraising achievements, challenges and projections across NAF Commands and Units in order to ensure enhanced operational effectiveness and efficiency. It equally provides an avenue to obtain feedback from various field commanders while also keeping them abreast of HQ NAF’s policy direction in the months ahead.

IBIKUNLE DARAMOLA
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations and Information
Nigerian Air Force

Jimi24:
Yaks or MIGs?
To be financed from where?. Except we buy the ones Russians are already using and pay with a gas deal or minning lease for oil or a strategic metal. Nigeria has NO money

Dats why it's a deal..We don't know what's involved..

Jimi24:
I always knew it was just going to be fast tracking of remaining MI35M, some vehicles and artillery (maybe MLRS) in the short run.
Yaks and SUs or MIGs, no money yet.

I think a large haul of hardware financed by ECA money is coming over the next 18 months and it will make big difference to security

As for the MI35 we have already signed the deal but not paid for all.Its every year we pay for two each or something Four...But as for this year it's like we paid for only one and it's coming possibly December..It might be The yak and MIG deal hopefully

FLYING OFFICER OKE - ANOTHER NAF FEMALE FIGHTER PILOT IN THE MAKING

Flying Officer Oluwadamilare Oke is another Nigerian Air Force (NAF) female fighter pilot in the making. Oke, who is one of the 15 Student Pilots undergoing Basic Flying Training at the 403 Flying Training School (403 FTS) Kano, has successfully conducted her first solo flight on the L-39ZA Jet Trainer Aircraft. She is the first female pilot to do so in the history of 403 FTS. This is yet another example of the gender-friendly environment created under the current NAF leadership. We look forward to Oke’s progress and eventual graduation from the Course.

Nicheey:
Jf17 since how many years? I be dey write jamb that year when naf say em procure m, now I dey 200 level.

Yak130? A trainer jet and a light attack aircraft With a top speed of 1,050 k/h? Really. What's the difference between the yak 130 and the and the A-jets? (994 k/h)

So you think have missle frigates and sub are liability? Really?. That's why the navy keeps filling opv up and down.

I noticed you didnt say anything bout our defence systems(perhaps we don't have non).

I agree no country can matched nigeria military might in west Africa, still doesn't change the fact its the weakest.

You just compared the Yak 130 and the alpha jet in terms of speed and not Capability.As for the JF17 thunders there are reasons why it's still delayed which I don't know.The Navy is Acquiring OPVs because of our current Maritime situation.Why would we buy Subs to fight Pirates..Note Nigeria is not the weakest and can never be.Though we are still lagging behind in terms of Air defense that's the reason why The NAF has engaged in the TRACON project (Total Radar coverage over Nigeria) Tell me which other Africa country apart from SA, Egypt and Algeria,Morroco has A dedicated Naval Airwing or Operates Satellites for Military purpose.

Nicheey:
Bruh a house divided amongst its self can't stand, we all know the status quo in present day nigeria. Bayelsa state I was schooling (I'm from rivers) the kind discrimination non indigene goes through eh(when I was in FUO) you'll ask your self if bayelsa is part of nigeria.

How many air defense systems do we have( the obsolete except the shiaka)

How many Armour divisions do we have?
How many state to art interceptors? "
How many dedicated helicopters?

Let's talk bout the water ways.
Imagine France in it's usual self got bored of play proxy and came for the kills?.

At exactly 0001hrs two frigates appears on falcon eye radar, then the branch at Lagos picked 2 others. Your guest as good as mine, naval blockade. How do we defend that? How many of our vessels are blue sea worthy?.

See many things dey for this country wey em fit use against am, e dey endless if u start mention. Unity is everything bruh, the day I left bayelsa was the day I completely gave up on nigeria.

in terms of Helo we have the most sophisticated among the MI series,We are receiving the jf17 thunder jets And may also Get the Block 3 once its ready for Export, Nigeria will possibly get the MiG fighter and YAK 130.If you follow the 10year strategic plan of NAF you'll know our military is Getting somewhere.NAF has Achieved more than 20% of that plan.If we are to buy missile frigates or Subs is Going to be more of a liability than an asset.The Navy is focusing to have what it takes to counter Maritime challenge By next year we are receiving new naval Helo,Drone landing ship tanks And an indigenous Naval vessel with missile Capable..So tell me which West Africa nation is up to our Standard

Nicheey:
LOL, nigeria world power?.. Loooooooooooool I must say your patriotism is beyond words.

Well all world powers should at least have uninterrupted light, good transportation systems, affordable accommodations,jobs and merit-able environment, and ignorant of the law shouldn't be an excuse, likewise all citizens must be equal before the law.

You see my friend the odd of Nigeria being a world power is 0.00000000000(after zillion zillion zeros) 00000.0, since em born me for this country I haven't benefited shit from it, rather have given it my undivided attention and a part of me, but guess wah? The shitty country spit on my face.

Who said nigeria isn't weak? And proxy war can't work in Nigeria? (civil war, we all know that war was fought on proxy by France. ) bakassi pensula disputes (France again) tchad dispute of maiduguri (1980 something, general buhari pursued tchad troops deeped into their capital. Still france)

There are many people willing to sell information to any country willing to provide em what nigeria couldn't.

As of now, nigeria is the weakest country in West Africa, any big nation can have a dance till dawn over us.

Nigeria is the weakest country in West Africa see ur mouth..I need proof to what u just said pls

PRESS RELEASE*

*TACTICAL BOOMERANG; SEVEN BOKO HARAM CRIMINALS KILLED EIGHT OTHERS CRIPPLED BY THEIR OWN IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVE DEVICE*

As the artillery bombardment and ground assault by troops of the Nigerian Army (NA) intensify across Operation LAFIYA DOLE Theatre, more Boko Haram casualties are being recorded. In a clear case that can be best described as a tactical boomerang, on Friday, 18 October 2019, some marauding Boko Haram criminals elements who were escaping the unbearable battle heat turned on them by NA troops met their waterloo as one of their vehicles, a Toyota Sam Sahara Model, stepped on an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) laid by them against NA troops at Lamba’a Forest along Jakana - Mainok Road in Borno State. The self-inflicted destruction consumed 7 Boko Haram criminals while 8 others suffered severe injuries. Consequently, troops have mobilised to the general area for route clearance and mop-up operation.

In another development, a syndicate that specializes in the smuggling of smoked fish from the Lake Chad region for sale in some parts of Nigeria have been busted by the diligent troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE. Reliable information available revealed that Boko Haram criminals/Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) and their collaborators are using the fish business to finance and sustain their heinous activities. The proceeds from the sales are believed to be channelled into the procurement of food stuff, groceries, drugs, toiletries, vehicle spare parts and other items for the sustenance of their criminal activities.

Relatedly, troops of Sector 3 Operation LAFIYA DOLE while acting on a reliable intelligence, raided the residence of some suspected illegal fish smugglers near Water Board Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Camp in Monguno LGA of Borno State. Four suspects were arrested and 16 sacks of smoked fish concealed in a room were recovered. In a similar operation conducted by troops of Sector 2 Operation LAFIYA DOLE on 10 October 2019, 9 vehicles loaded with illegal smoked fish consignments were equally intercepted at Bukarti in Geidam LGA of Yobe State en-route Hadejia in Jigawa State. Consequently, 18 suspects including drivers, conductors, mechanics and agents were also apprehended.

In another development, troops deployed at a Check Point along Baga Road in Borno State while on Operation POSITIVE IDENTIFICATION arrested one Musa Ishaku while in possession of a fake Nigeria Customs ID card which he has been using to deceive security agencies. Additionally, troops of 1 Division also rescued 4 kidnapped students from bandits at Gurmi Village in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State after a brief fire fight with criminals. In Rivers State, troops of 16 Brigade Garrison (Main) raided a suspected Sea Pirates Camp at Tingibibi Ogu/Bolo LGA of Rivers State. The suspected sea pirates who obviously could not withstand the overwhelming fire power of the troops, fled the enclave in disarray. Items recovered from the camp include one AK 47 Rifle magazine, 5 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 3 cartridges, one binocular and 3 para red rocket. In the same vein, troops neutralised one armed robber during an anti-robbery operation at Adipet Filling Station along Rukuba Road in Jos North LGA of Plateau State. Others were believed to have escaped with gun shot wounds. Similarly, following confessional statements made by an arrested notorious bandit/kidnap kingpin named Yellow, troops of 3 Brigade tracked and arrested one of his gang members, Dahiru Dogo in Falgore Forest in Kano State.

The Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai wishes to reassure the general public on the resolve of the Nigerian Army to rid the society of criminal elements for a secured environment.

You are kindly requested to disseminate above information to the general public for awareness. Thank you for your usual cooperation.

AMINU ILIYASU
Colonel
Nigerian Army Operations Media Coordinator
20 October 2019.

Nairalanders good evening..I just got a message from Henry240 he said he has deleted his Account and won't be posting any longer.He has retired.

NAF STRIVES FOR HIGHER STANDARDS OF DISCIPLINE, REGIMENTATION AS 40 PERSONNEL GRADUATE FROM RSM COURSE

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) today, 19 October 2019, graduated 40 personnel, including 2 airwomen of the Regiment Specialty, from the Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) Course at the Regiment Training Centre (RTC) Kaduna. While congratulating the graduating students, the Guest of Honour (GOH), Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Idi Amin, the Air Officer Commanding Ground Training Command (AOC GTC), said RSMs are not only primarily responsible for maintaining standards and discipline as well as acting as mentors to their subordinates, but also serve as the link between Commissioned Officers and the Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) cadre. He stated that RSMs play critical roles in unit discipline, training and administration. He therefore urged the graduating RSMs to be fair, firm and considerate in handling issues in order to cultivate team spirit, thereby fostering greater harmony in NAF units and formations. The GOH also charged the graduands to continue to uphold the core values of the NAF and keep updating themselves on the dynamics of the current security challenges facing the Country in order to make meaningful contributions. AVM Amin appreciated the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar, for his visionary leadership and tenacious dedication to capacity building as well as the continued support to the GTC.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Commandant RTC, Group Captain Isaac Subi, stated that the re-introduction of the RSM Course by the current NAF leadership had ameliorated the short fall of trained RSMs that had been occasioned by the separation from Service of earlier generations of RSMs. He stated that the 3-month training had exposed the students to series of leadership and management models, unit administration, communication skills, range management, weapon training and battle procedures as well as civil-military relations and Air Force Law, amongst others. He disclosed that the graduating students worked hard, displaying commitment, self discipline and determination to meet the standards required of a unit RSM. He expressed gratitude to the CAS for his uncommon drive and motivation to provide highly skilled and professional manpower across all NAF specialties and particularly the unparalleled support to RTC which, he said, has been a major beneficiary of the transformational initiatives of the CAS.

Awards were given to students who distinguished themselves during the course, with Flight Sergeant Adamu Haladu bagging the CAS Award, Warrant Officer Busari Akeem Adeniyi winning the AOC GTC’s Award and Flight Sergeant Oyakhire Peter receiving the Commandant RTC’s Award for emerging First, Second and Third, respectively, in the Order of Merit. The Graduation Ceremony was attended by Commandants, Commanders and Officers of co-located NAF units in Kaduna.

IBIKUNLE DARAMOLA
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations and Information

Fynline:
https://free.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2420877938125143&id=1684425015103776&_rdc=1&_rdr

NAF airstrike

Devastating accuracy... NAF pilots are the best

Odunayaw:
Ezugwu and IPV2 have made its debut

pls link for video...plss

CNS MEETS SENATE COMMITTEE ON THE NAVY, PLEDGES EFFECTIVE MARITIME SECURITY
by dinfo
The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas has affirmed the readiness of the Nigerian Navy (NN) to secure the nation’s economic lifelines at sea. Speaking during an interactive session with members of the Senate Committee on the Navy, Vice Admiral Ibas further submitted that if the necessary platforms and material are available, the Service remains capable of doing even more to safeguard the nation’s maritime environment.

While being mindful of the financial constraints of the Federal Government of Nigeria, Admiral Ibas stressed that any expenditure on the NN is an investment towards enhancing the nation’s economic and national development. He therefore solicited the support of the Committee towards the realization of this objective.

According to the CNS, with the support of the Federal Government, the NN has been able to acquire offshore patrol vessels, fast attack craft and more than 300 riverine patrol crafts while concurrent effort is also being made to encourage operational training and indigenous shipbuilding capacity. This, he informed, has paid off with the arrest of over 200 vessels and hundreds of suspects for various maritime offences in the last 4 years, aside the incalculable deterrence value created.

Vice Admiral Ibas submitted that over the past few years, the NN has also made significant contributions to the nation’s economic development, particularly in the protection of the nation’s hydrocarbon infrastructure and curbing resource theft at sea. Others are in anti-piracy operations and the anti-smuggling patrols which have limited the smuggling of prohibited items into the country and given bite to the nation’s policy against illegal importation of rice and other contrabands with a successive decline in reported cases of pirate/sea robbery attacks within Nigeria’s maritime domain since 2015, he said.

The CNS observed that despite these positive gains, there are a number of challenges militating against NN’s effective delivery including the vastness of Nigeria’s maritime space and the current NN platform holding which is inadequate to effectively protect the domain and its strategic resources. He said that more ships with prolonged endurance such as Offshore Patrol Vessels are specially required for deep offshore operations.