Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has warned all maritime criminals who threaten Nigeria’s waters that the naval space will no longer be a haven for crime, as the Nigerian Navy is better equipped to curb all forms of criminality, thereby facilitating increased economic activities and national security.

He issued the warning at the commissioning and induction ceremony of the Nigerian Navy’s ships and helicopters in Lagos on Saturday.

According to him, the Federal Government has resolved to ensure the security of the country’s waters for the nation’s prosperity.

“The President’s approval for the acquisition of these critical assets underscores his administration’s resolve to safeguard our national interests for our economic prosperity in line with his renewed hope agenda.

“In line with our statutory roles of securing the nation’s maritime domain, the Nigerian Navy will continue to carry out fleet recapitalisation to enhance its operational efficiency. The addition of these new platforms to our fleet will no doubt enhance the Navy’s capability to dominate our maritime space and deny criminal elements freedom of action in our waters,” he said.

He explained that the ships being commissioned today have high endurance and are equipped with advanced surveillance as well as rapid-response capabilities.

“The 3 Augusta Westland AW109ST Trekker helicopters also have long-range surveillance and high endurance capabilities. This will complement our existing maritime domain awareness capabilities to bolster our surveillance and response capabilities towards emplacing maritime security for increased economic activities in the maritime environment.

“As the saying goes, ‘Smooth seas do not make skilful sailors. This commissioning ceremony, being part of our 69th Anniversary Celebration, indicates the gradual measures to equip the Nigerian Navy over the years,” Matawalle said.

He revealed that the Nigerian Navy is still expecting several platforms to join its fleet this year.

Some of these platforms, he said, include two 76m High Endurance Offshore Patrol Vessels from Turkey, three 46m Fast Patrol Boats from China, and Tug Boats, among others.

“These platforms, when inducted into the Nigerian Navy fleet, will enhance our operational readiness to carry out our statutory roles.

“We are also enhancing human capacity development through adequate technical training to ensure proper usage and maintenance of these platforms. This is in addition to other welfare packages to improve the morale and operational efficiency of our personnel, being the most important resource of the navy,” he added. (Channels TV)