Defence Hqtrs Acquires 10 Patrol Boats For JTF

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) last Friday in Port-Harcourt inaugurated 10 new patrol gunboats to boost the operations of the Joint Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta.

Inaugurating the gunboats, Governor Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State said they would relieve the operational problems faced by JTF.

“‘As you are aware, our beloved country is facing multiple security challenges, particularly in the maritime environment.

“ These internal security problems include piracy, smuggling of small arms and light weapons, kidnapping and illegal oil bunkering.

“These have been a source of great concern to the Federal Government, especially the members of the armed forces, who have invested a lot of efforts in curbing this undesirable trend,’’ he said.

Amaechi explained that it was the desire of the government to bring the deplorable situation to an end as quickly as possible that had necessitated the ceremony.

He said the uniqueness and significance of the ceremony were tied to the fact that the occasion marked a milestone in enhancing internal security.

“It is also the first time the DHQ had collaborated with an indigenous company to construct maritime vessels.

“I congratulate the chief of defence staff for having the courage to extend the frontiers of Nigeria’s military technology by taking this long awaited first step.

He expressed optimism that Nigeria could build its industries with local technology and create employment opportunities for the citizens.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Oluseyi Petinrin, said security challenges facing the nation necessitated the acquisition of the best available equipment for the armed forces.