NIGERIAN NAVY AT 69 – COMMISSIONING OF SHIPS HELICOPTERS AND BASE FLATS

The activities marking the 69th Anniversary of the Nigerian Navy reached an exciting crescendo on Saturday 31 May 2025 with the commissioning of 3 x Warships and induction of 3 x Helicopters into the Nigerian Navy.

The Commissioning Ceremony was done by the Honourable Minister of State for Defence (HMOSD), His Excellency Dr Bello Mohammed Matawalle MON and many dignitaries were present to celebrate with the Navy. Those present included the Chairman Senate Committee for Defence, Senator Gbenga Daniel, the Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Navy, Honourable Yusuf Gagdi, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar and former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Samuel Afolayan (rtd) amongst others.

The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla who was the Chief Host, expressed profound gratitude to the President Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for his visionary leadership and unflinching support to the Nigerian Navy.

The HMOSD, described the commissioning ceremony as a strategic move to secure Nigeria’s maritime domain and safeguard its economic interest. He also lauded the President for his unwavering support to the Armed Forces.

The 3 x Warships are fast patrol boats with high endurance named:
NNS FARO
NNS SHERE
NNS IKOGOSI

…while the 3 x Helicopters are Agusta Westland (AW109) Trekker Helicopters with visual call-signs; NN501, NN502 & NN503, suitable for Over the Horizon Patrols, Maritime Surveillance and Targeting.

It was a historic moment marking another significant milestone in the steady progress of the 3rd largest Navy in Africa.

The day ended with the commissioning of the newly re-built Base Flats. The Base Flats comprise 207 single bedroom apartments for junior officers.

Source : Nigerian Navy