The Nigerian Navy (NN) Offshore Patrol Vessel NNS UNITY which was under construction in
China has been completed and on its way to join the NN fleet.
This is contained in a statement signed by its Director of
Information, Commodore Christian Ezekobe, in Abuja.
The Chief of Naval Staff, (CNS), Vice Adm. Ibok-Ete Ibas, was
represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Rear Admiral Jacob Ajani at the
handing over and departure ceremony in China.
Ibas, however, conveyed the appreciation of Nigeria Navy to
President Muhammadu Buhari, for approving all steps taken toward the departure
of NNS UNITY.
He said that NNS UNITY would strengthen the efforts of The Navy
against all maritime crimes and illegalities in the nation’s territorial waters
and the Gulf of Guinea in general.
The CNS also added that the areas that were hitherto unable to
be covered by other ships would now be covered by NNS UNITY.
This, he said, would no doubt enhance the Navy’s effectiveness
and responsiveness to the maritime security challenges within Nigeria’s waters.
“NNS UNITY enroute Nigeria will pay port calls on some ports of
friendly nations before arriving Nigeria.
“This will further boost the existing cordial relationship with
sister navies around the world and the Gulf of Guinea in particular,” Ibas
said.
Ibas solicited the maintenance and improved cooperation between
Nigeria and China Ship Building Corporation beyond the departure of NNS UNITY.
The ceremony had in attendance: Chairman, Senate Committee on
Navy, Sen. Isa Misau, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Navy,
Abdulsamad Dasuki, Representative of the Minister of Defense, Hajia Rabi
Tedman, among others.
The newly acquired vessel
NNS UNITY departed China Sept. 21, and was expected to arrive in Nigeria first
week of November 2016.
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