Nigerian envoy receives newly acquired Naval ship in Gabon

From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja

A newly acquired ship of the Nigerian Navy was on a three-day stopover port call off the coast at Port-Gentil, Gabon.

Prior to its arrival at Port-Gentil, the ship had earlier made a stopover in Oman, Kenya, Angola and South Africa.

The 100-metre long and 16-metre wide NNS KADA, built in the United Arab Emirates, was welcomed at the port of Port-Gentil by the Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Gabon, Raymond Udoffe Brown.

Brown was accompanied during the reception by the Flag Officer Commanding the Eastern Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy, Rear Admiral Ibrahim Dewu, who represented the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo.

Sarah Sanda, Media Aide to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, in a statement made available to Daily Sun in Abuja, said the presence of NNS KADA in Gabonese waters was part of the Nigerian Government’s demonstration of commitment to the fight against illegal activities like piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.

In his remarks, Brown said: “The visit of ships like this to the Gulf of Guinea demonstrates the continued dedication of our forces, which shows every day their commitment to ensuring the security of national resources, economy and the people.”

Speaking on the mission of the ship, Admiral Dewu said: “This ship is not only for Nigeria, but also to fight against human trafficking, piracy, as well as serving as an evacuation ship in case of danger on the Gulf of Guinea and the strengthening of strategies between the forces.

“Our wish is to see the development of collaboration, sustained cooperation and a sharing of training for the success of our navies.”