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Controversial Gunboats: Nigerian Navy Says No Individual Bought Warship

The Nigerian Navy has denied claims that the controversial warships said to have been purchased by a former militant in Nigeria delta, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, … Continue reading Controversial Gunboats: Nigerian Navy Says No Individual Bought Warship


gunboat_Nigeria_JTFThe Nigerian Navy has denied claims that the controversial warships said to have been purchased by a former militant in Nigeria delta, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly called Tompolo,  belonged to it.

According to the Chief of Naval Training and Operations, Rear Admiral Austine Oyagah, no individual has acquired any gun boat for the navy.

He explained that what was in the country were boats acquired by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency and were manned by Nigerian Navy personnel as part of collaborations between the agency and the Navy to Police Nigerian Waters.

Rear Admiral Oyagah said that the partnership had been in place in the last three years, with several boats acquired by the agency which were further equipped and manned by Nigerian Navy Personnel.

There were reports of alleged importation of seven gunboats into Nigeria by former warlord, Chief Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo), which had sparked fresh tension in the Niger Delta.

The high-speed Hulk-class guided missile boats, according to reports, were imported from Norway through an American private security outfit on behalf of Tompolo’s Global West Vessel Services.