The United States government yesterday donated a war ship to the Federal Government to enable it checkmate criminal activities like crude oil theft, arms proliferation and other nefarious activities in the Niger-delta region and the Gulf of Guinea.

The warship earlier known as the United States Coast Guard Gallatin ,USCGG  had been renamed as NNS Okpabana by the Nigerian Navy. The ship was completely overhauled in Charleston, South Carolina, USA, with about $8 million.

The ship was formally received by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Usman Jubrin and other top government officials at the Nigerian Navy Dockyard.

In his remarks at the occasion, Vice Admiral Jubrin said that NNS Okpabana was the second of the Hamilton class of cutters to join the Nigerian Navy fleet between 2012 and 2014.

 He said; “It is common knowledge that littoral nations, in addition to the numerous benefits they derive from sea resources, also experience challenges or threats within their maritime domain. In the case of Nigeria, the maritime domain is threatened by crude oil theft, unreported and unregulated fishing, smuggling, arms proliferation, and sea robbery/piracy among others.

‘’In recognition of these challenges and in consonance with the on-going transformation agenda of the federal government of |Nigeria, the Navy evolved the transformation plan 2010-2020 with a view to enhancing its operational capability and discharging its statutory role effectively and efficiently in the coming years.

‘’One of the pillars of the transformation is fleet renewal which focuses on new acquisition and maintenance of ships in our fleet. The actualisation of the plan can only be achieved with the support of the people and Federal Government as well as our foreign partners and allies such as the U.S.A,’’ he said.

The chief of naval staff describe the arrival of the ship as a commitment by both the Nigerian government and the USA to rid the country’s territorial waters of oil theft.

The U.S Consul General, Jeff Hawkins who also spoke on the occasion said that the war ship was given to support Nigeria counter criminalities in the region.

“Many of the region’s challenges come from the sea and this powerful new naval platform will significantly enhance Nigeria’s ability to control the maritime environment. The Okpabana, like the NNS Thunder before her, strongly demonstrates America’s commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s security.

“”We work closely with this country’s Navy and with all of Nigeria’s service arms, to counter threats to Nigerian and African security. We have a common interest in a peaceful, well policed Gulf of Guinea and support from the USA significantly increases Nigeria’s ability to reach this shared goal”