The Nigerian government on Wednesday deployed 39 locally-made gunboats and 45 operational vehicles to enhance the fight against maritime crime.

The gunboats, built by the Nigerian Navy, were fitted with appropriate weapons and anti-ballistic protection to enhance optimal efficiency, Minister of State for Defense, Mohammad Dan-Ali, said at the inauguration in Lagos.

He said the thirty 8.2-meter boats, which were constructed for the navy by Epenal Boat Yard in southern city of Port Hacourt, would be deployed for rigorous patrols in the Niger Delta, while additional 20 would be delivered subsequently.

Speaking in the same vein, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Ibok Ete-Ibas, said the Epenal boats were an improvement on 30 others unveiled in Port Harcourt in February.

"These boats, no doubt, have boosted navy maritime operations," he added.

Ete-Ibas said the decision of the navy to build 60 boats locally was part of her resolve to look inwards in the production of the nation's naval hardware.

According to the naval chief, the gunboats also benefited from the incorporation of anti-ballistic protection, giving it edge for more audacious and aggressive employment.

The boats will be deployed optimally by relevant navy units, the navy chief added.

Source : XINHUA