HANDOVER OF 15 UNITS OF 9.2M SEMI-BALLISTIC GRP GUNBOATS TO THE NIGERIAN ARMY AND NIGERIAN NAVY

The handover ceremony of 15 units of 9.2m semi-ballistic Glass Reinforced Plastic gunboats was held on Thursday, 15 May 2025, at Naval Shipyard Limited. The gunboats were constructed by Naval Shipyard Limited on behalf of Tanitita Security Services Nigeria Limited and formally handed over to the Nigerian Army and Nigerian Navy.

During the ceremony, the Admiral Superintendent of Naval Shipyard Limited welcomed the Special Guest of Honour Chief of Defense Staff General O Oluyede, Armed Forces Medal who was ably represented by the General Officer Commanding 6 Division Nigerian Army Land Component Commander Joint Task Force (south south) Operation Delta Safe Major Gen EE Emekah, representatives of the Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Naval Staff, and officials of Tanitita Security Services Nigeria Limited. He noted that the construction of the gunboats was executed under the directive of Naval Headquarters, building on the yard’s growing expertise in indigenous Glass Reinforced Plastic boatbuilding.

The Chief of Defence Staff, accepting the boats on behalf of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, described the gesture as a patriotic act driven by Tanitita Security Services Nigeria Limited’s commitment to pipeline and maritime security as well as broader national security objectives. He recalled that the Defence Headquarters had earlier reposed confidence in the yard’s capability by contracting for four semi-ballistic gunboats commissioned in 2021, and commended the continued progress demonstrated with the current batch of 15 units.

The CDS emphasized that lasting security requires active support from the private sector, communities, and other stakeholders. He stated that the contribution by Tanitita Security Services Nigeria Limited demonstrates how collaboration between government and industry can strengthen Nigeria’s collective response to security challenges. He added that the new platforms would enhance patrol capability, improve rapid response, and support efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s maritime domain against pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, piracy, and other crimes.

In his remarks, the CDS thanked Tanitita Security Services Nigeria Limited for its thoughtful and patriotic contribution and commended Naval Shipyard Limited for its professionalism and dedication. He assured that the gunboats would be deployed and properly maintained to support maritime security operations within Nigerian waters.

The ceremony underscored the growing partnership between the Armed Forces of Nigeria, government institutions, and private sector stakeholders in advancing national defence and maritime safety.