The Nigerian Navy has taken delivery of 12 new Comstrac System Ovation Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) it acquired to improve its fight against maritime crime. The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, on Friday, commissioned and inducted the UAVs into service during a ceremony held at the Naval Air Base in Ojo, Lagos.
The CNS who was represented by the Chief of Training and Operations, Rear Admiral Zakariyyah Muhammed said that the surveillance UAVs would complement the already existing air assets of the Nigerian Navy, while supporting the surface ships and maritime domain awareness platforms.
“In an era where the nature of warfare is evolving rapidly, embracing cutting-edge technologies becomes imperative for enhancing our national security. These UAVs, with their advanced capabilities and versatility, will undoubtedly enhance our naval surveillance for furtherance of strategic capabilities”, the CNS stated.
“I have no doubt that this will rejig the Nigerian Navy towards better service delivery in the maritime domain of our dear country. This will make our waters safer for both local and international maritime trade” he added.
The CNS also revealed that the Navy was expecting five more helicopters within the first quarter of 2024 which would enhance its maritime capabilities. He commended the Western Naval Command for innovative and dogged efforts toward maintaining credible maritime presence and curtailing criminalities in its area of operations.
The ceremony also witnessed the adoption of the revised Local Operating Procedure and Local Training Order of the Nigerian Navy.
