As part of activities marking its 69th Anniversary, the Nigerian Navy is set to commission three new military patrol vessels and three helicopters aimed at strengthening maritime security operations across the nation’s waters.
This development was announced by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Rear Admiral Ibrahim Abdullahi Dewu, during a media briefing held to launch events for the 2025 Navy Week celebrations. Rear Admiral Dewu disclosed that the Navy had recently received additional platforms to boost its operational capabilities and fleet renewal strategy.
Among the new acquisitions are three patrol vessels—NNS SHERE, NNS FARO, and NNS IKOGOSI. These vessels, each measuring about 38 meters in length with a five-day endurance capacity, were delivered to Nigeria in December 2024. Two of the vessels were acquired from Singapore, while the third came from South Korea. They are designated to serve as Seaward Defence Boats, operating within Nigeria’s littoral waters up to the 24 nautical mile contiguous zone, and are capable of extending their reach in pursuit operations beyond this range when necessary. Their presence is expected to significantly enhance the Navy’s visibility and deterrence posture at sea.
In addition to the vessels, the Navy is also commissioning three Agusta Westland 109 Trekker helicopters, increasing the total number of helicopters in its inventory to 14. This upgrade is anticipated to improve air operations and bolster surveillance and rapid response capabilities in maritime zones.
The Navy’s efforts are complemented by continuous collaboration with regional and international partners. A prime example is the recently concluded EXERCISE OBANGAME EXPRESS 2025, which took place from May 10 to 16. The exercise involved navies from Gulf of Guinea nations as well as foreign forces from the United States, Brazil, Italy, and Spain. The joint operation demonstrated a collective commitment to combating maritime crimes and improving interoperability among allied forces.
These initiatives reaffirm the Nigerian Navy’s dedication to safeguarding the nation’s maritime environment and promoting regional security cooperation.
