The Nigerian Navy has acquired 12 Comstrac System Ovation Unmanned Aerial Vehicles to strengthen the fight against maritime crime.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, has disclosed this at the commissioning ceremony of the UAVs and the adoption of the revised Local Operating Procedure and Local Training Order, held at the Naval Air Base, Ojo, Lagos.
The CNS, represented by the Chief of Training and Operations, Rear Adm. Zakariyyah Muhammed, explained 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.
“I have no doubt that this will rejig the Nigerian Navy towards better service delivery in the maritime domain of our dear country,” he said.
Ogalla noted that the Navy was expecting five more helicopters within the forst quarter of 2024 which would enhance its maritime capabilities.
“This will make safer waters for both local and international maritime trade,” he said.
The CNS lauded the Western Naval Command for innovative and determined efforts toward maintaining credible maritime presence and curbing criminalities in its area of operations.
