In a bid to beef up the capacity of the Nigerian Navy in fighting maritime crime and securing lives along the waterways, the Rivers State Government has donated eight gun boats.
The Governor, Nyesom Wike, has also promised to give 13 special operational boats to the Navy, Army and the Police.
The launching ceremony of the Epenal boats which held at the Federal Lighter Terminal, Onne, Port Harcourt, was attended by the Chief Of Defence Staff, the Chief of Naval Staff, the General Officer Commanding (6 division) and other top ranking officers of the armed forces.
Meanwhile, addressing over 1,150 ratings during their graduation from the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School, the Chief of Defence Staff, Abayomi Olonishakin charged the new members to be disciplined and apolitical.
With adequate equipment, regular training and capacity building, many are optimistic that the Nigerian Armed Forces can remain a power house for the security of lives and property.
