Armée Nigériane / Nigerian Armed Forces

Citation :

Nigeria interested in buying Super Tucanos



The Nigerian Air Force is considering buying Super Tucano trainer and light attack aircraft from Brazilian manufacturer Embraer.

Nigerian Vice President Namadi Sambo expressed interest in purchasing the Super Tucano during a meeting with his Brazilian counterpart Michel Temer earlier this week.

Sambo and Temer held talks on bilateral relations between Nigeria and Brazil, and announced the creation of working groups on security and defence, amongst other areas, reports Xinhua. An agreement on intelligence sharing, particularly regarding drug-related crimes, will be signed soon. The two parties also discussed the possibility of repatriating 377 Nigerian prisoners in Brazil.

Brazil and Nigeria also discussed other possibilities for cooperation in fields such as trade, agriculture, mining, culture and energy. Trade between Nigeria and Brazil has grown from $1.6 billion in 2002 to $9.1 billion last year, Temer said.

Brazil and Nigeria have enjoyed warm defence relations – for example, in September 2012 the Brazilian Navy offshore patrol vessel (OPV) Amazonas (P120) visited Nigeria and conducted training with Nigerian personnel and vessels. Earlier this year Brazil’s new OPV Araguari (P122) visited Nigeria on its way home from the United Kingdom. Apart from Nigeria, it also visited Cape Verde, Cameroon, Sao Tome and Principe and Equatorial Guinea.

Nigeria has a strong requirement for an aircraft like the Super Tucano as it battles the domestic Boko Haram insurgency and also deploys combat aircraft to foreign countries on peacekeeping operations. The country is expected to vastly increase its defence spending over the coming years, and according to a recent Strategic Defence Intelligence report, the Nigerian defence market will go from $2.3 billion this year to $4.4 billion by 2018.

Piracy and oil smuggling in the Gulf of Guinea and a contribution to peacekeeping operations are expected to drive the country's military expenditure to register a growth rate of 13.62% over the next five years. The domestic Boko Haram insurgency is also expected to drive Nigeria’s security needs. The country’s growth in military expenditure will be assisted by the country's stable economic growth over the forecast period, which will a see rise in defence expenditure as a percentage of GDP from 0.8% in 2013 to 1.1% in 2018, according to the report.

“The growing threat from Boko Haram and other extremist groups in northeastern states, and drug trafficking are expected to drive the Nigerian government's investments in homeland security over the forecast period. Police modernization and homeland security infrastructure developments are expected to be primary areas for investment by the government,” the report noted.

Nigeria can be expected to buy military hardware such as naval helicopters, fighters, patrol vessels, and armoured personnel carriers over the next five years, mainly from foreign suppliers.

African Super Tucanos

Embraer has recorded a number of orders for its Super Tucano from African countries, which see it as a low cost light attack aircraft that can also be used as a trainer. On the continent, the Super Tucano has been ordered by Angola, Burkina Faso, Mauritania and Senegal. Embraer is highly optimistic about future orders for the type from Africa.

Angola officially received its first three of six Super Tucanos in July this year and is using them for border surveillance, attack and pilot training. Burkina Faso was the first African country to take delivery of a Super Tucano, receiving three aircraft in September 2011 for border patrol missions. In October last year Mauritania received their first aircraft, featuring sensor turrets for surveillance duties, although they will also be used for counter-insurgency missions.

In April Senegal bought three A-29 Super Tucanos as well as a training system for pilots and mechanics. It will use the aircraft for border surveillance and internal security duties.

Over a dozen global customers have purchased the A-29 Super Tucano. The fleet has surpassed 180 000 flight hours and 28 000 combat hours, according to Embraer.

The A-29 Super Tucano is capable of performing a broad range of missions that include light attack, aerial surveillance and interception, and counter-insurgency.

The Super Tucano is equipped with a variety of sensors and equipment, including an electo-optical/infrared system with laser designator, night vision goggles, secure communications and data-link package.

Armament comprises one .50-caliber machinegun in each wing. Five hardpoints can carry a maximum external load of 1 550 kilograms (3 420 lb). Weapons options include gun pods, bombs, rocket pods, and (on the two outboard stations) air-to-air missiles.

http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=32881:nigeria-interested-in-buying-super-tucanos&catid=35:Aerospace&Itemid=107

Citation :

Nigerian Navy plans further acquisitions in 2014

The Nigerian Navy will take delivery of a number of new vessels next year as it attempts to reduce maritime crime, oil theft and attacks on ships, according to its recently released Strategic Guidance document.

Vice Admiral Dele J Ezeoba, Chief of Naval Staff, said that on assuming office in October 2012, he was committed to repositioning the Nigerian Navy, improving capability for internal security and policing the Gulf of Guinea. As a result, a first Chief of Naval Staff Strategic Guidance document (CNS SG-01) was issued in October last year.

According to Ezeoba, 90% of SG-01’s objectives have been completed. Significant progress has been made on fleet reactivation and recapitalisation, with the availability of operational vessels increasing from 35% to 70% within a year, according to SG-02, released late last month.

Over the last year the Nigerian Navy took delivery of three OCEA patrol boats, three Manta Fast Patrol Boats and two Shaldag patrol craft. Construction is ongoing on two Chinese offshore patrol vessels, one of which will be built in China and the other to be completed at the Naval Shipyard in Nigeria. Nigeria’s naval dockyard is also building a 38 metre Seaward Defence Boat. The Navy is also refitting the NNS Ekun fast attack craft, NNS Ohue and NNS Barama minesweepers and will soon refit the NNS Yola and NNS Brass patrol craft. In addition, three inshore patrol craft will be reactivated.

On the operational side, the Nigerian Navy continued with patrols and reactivated a number of Regional Maritime Awareness Capability Centres and is setting up new sites to improve its maritime domain awareness. Operational successes listed for the previous year up to October 2013 included the apprehension of 33 vessels and 2 278 suspects over oil theft, the destruction of 2 417 illegal oil refineries, 137 barges and 2 032 boats, according to SG-02.

While Ezeoba said that the Navy can be proud of its achievements over the last year, there is room for improvement, hence the creation of SG-02. The Navy wants to clamp down on problems like oil theft, illegal oil bunkering, piracy, robbery at sea and attacks on ships. Ezeoba stated that solving these problems is necessary for Nigeria’s economic prosperity, as it relies heavily on its offshore and onshore oil reserves.

Strategic Guidance 02 expands on the previous document’s objectives, notably improving Navy capacity and domestic and regional security. Short term goals to be accomplished in the next six months include acquiring five K13 inshore patrol vessels, ensuring operational availability of at least four Navy helicopters, establishing a Fishery Protection Patrol Squadron in collaboration with the agriculture ministry, Nimasa and other stakeholders, and improving Navy logistics and training.

Medium term goals (over the next 12 months) include the acquisition of the ex-US Coast Guard cutter USCGC Gallatin, the completion and commissioning of the first Chinese-built OPV and domestic assembly of the second Chinese OPV, commissioning of the second domestic Seaward Defence Boat, completion of the refit of NNS Brass and NNS Yola and the refit of the frigate NNS Aradu, the fast attack craft NNS Siri, Ayam and Damisa. The refit of the fast patrol boat NNS Ekpe, Ekun and minesweepers NNS Ohue and NNS Barama are also expected to be completed in this period.

“All hands must be on deck to ensure the attainment of the objectives set out in this Strategic Guidance 02 in fulfilment of the desired end state of defending and protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity whilst contributing to the economic prosperity and national development of Nigeria,” Ezeoba concluded.

http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=32908:nigerian-navy-plans-further-acquisitions-in-2014&catid=51:Sea&Itemid=106

Citation :

Nigerian Navy Received new Israeli Attack Boats



The Nigerian Navy (NN) has taken delivery of three new 17 metre-long Manta Mk II ASD Littoral Interceptors and one new 25 metre-long Shaldag Mk II Fast Patrol Craft to help the force battle rampant maritime crime.

The four boats were commissioned into service at the NNS Beecroft Naval Base on Victoria Island in Lagos last week by NN Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba.

iHLS – Israel Homeland Security

The commissioning event also included a tour of the facility where the navy is building the country’s second locally-made warship, a 38 metre-long Seaward Defence Boat (SDB), due for delivery in June next year.

The NN now has 22 of the 17 metre-long Manta Mk II ASD Littoral Interceptors while the number of Israeli-made Shaldag Fast Patrol Craft (FPC) vessels has increased to five. The first two Shaldag FPCs were delivered in 2009 while two more were commissioned into service in February of this year.

http://i-hls.com

Citation :

Nigeria unveils locally made drone


Nigeria unveiled its own drone on Tuesday, appropriately named “GULMA,” (Hausa word for gossip).

The unveiling was done by President Goodluck Jonathan at Nigeria Air Force base in Kaduna, North central Nigeria

The unmanned aerial vessel was designed and constructed by the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) in collaboration with other local institutions. The President described the launch of the UAV as a ”landmark moment” in Nigeria’s history.

He also supervised the winging of 11 locally trained UAV pilots at the occasion.
Jonathan unveils Nigeria's own drone


Jonathan unveils Nigeria’s own drone

”Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, with a deep sense of pride and accomplishment, I now unveil the Nigerian-made Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, also known as GULMA,” President Jonathan said at the occasion.

”Considering the potential impact of its benefit and versatility, I cannot but say, how proud I am of the men and women of our Armed Forces.

“Apart from their commitment to the protection of our sovereignty, they are helping to keep our nation ahead in military science and technology and to keep their civilian counterparts, on their toes,” the President said.

”In the year past, we have launched the first indigenous combat vessel, developed by our Navy, and various Armoured and operational vehicles developed by the Nigerian Army.

To all of you, I say thank you. Your collective efforts have opened a new vista of innovation and opportunity for our nation,” he added.

Analysts believe the UAV would be deployed to monitor the activities militant Islamic sect, Boko Haram, which has been operating in the rugged mountains and forests of Nigeria’s North east.

http://pmnewsnigeria.com

ATR-42MPA


G222

Citation :

NIGERIAN MILITARY KILL 38 BOKO HARAM FIGHTERS IN COUNTERINSURGENCY OPERATIONS, 3 VEHICLES DESTROYED…GPMGs, LMGs, AK47 RIFLES RECOVERED; ONE SOLDIER KILLED, 2 OTHERS WOUNDED

Posted on January 9, 2014


A Nigerian Army soldier on counterinsurgency operations in northeastern Nigeria, sits on a 90mm gun-armed Panhard Sagaie AFV

09/01/2014
NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

The 7 Division of the Nigerian Army in Maiduguri on Thursday said it repelled the attack of suspected Boko Haram
insurgents on Damboa Town, Damboa
Local Government Area of Borno. This information is contained in a statement issued by the spokesman of the division, Col. Muhammad Dole, in Maiduguri.

“The troops of 195 Battalion in Damboa on Thursday successfully repelled Boko Haram terrorists’ attack on residents and a military camp.“The insurgents attempted to launch attack on Damboa to cause havoc and
mayhem, but due to timely information and gallantry displayed by the troops, the attack was repelled.

“We also inflicted heavy casualty on the terrorists. While the encounter lasted, 38 Boko Haram suspects were killed and some fled with various degrees of injuries. “Three vehicles, one Sienna LE with registration no: AE 844 DKW laden with cylinders and Improvise Explosive Devices was recovered.

“Also recovered were: one 911
articulated vehicle with registration no SA 575 BBU loaded with 200 bags of foodstuff and one Mitsubishi Canter with registration no XD 441 GG,” Dole said.

Dole also said that large numbers of
weapons were recovered by the army after the operation. “Large cache of assorted arms and high calibre weapons and ammunition,comprising General Purpose Machine Guns(GPMG), Light Machine Guns (LMG) and two AK 47 rifles were seized.

“However, one soldier was killed and
two others, who sustained injuries were hospitalised. “The combined ground troops and Nigerian Air Force aircraft are tactically pursuing the fleeing terrorists in the ongoing operation in the general area of
Damboa and surrounding villages.

“The General Officer Commanding (GOC)7 Division appeals to the general public to avail the troops with any leading information for successful tracking of the fleeing insurgents,” he said.

http://beegeagle.wordpress.com/2014/01/09/nigerian-military-kill-38-boko-haram-fighters-in-counterinsurgency-operations-3-vehicles-destroyed-machine-guns-recovered-one-soldier-killed-2-others-wounded/

Citation :

Nigerian defence spending to fall for the first time in a decade




Nigeria plans to reduce its military spending for the first time in a decade, despite the ongoing insurgency in the northeast of the country and the expansion of its navy.
The defence budget will decrease from NGN364.2 billion (USD2.3 billion) in 2013 to NGN340.3 billion, according to the 2014 budget proposal that was released by Nigeria's Budget Office of the Federation in early January. This represents a 6.5% fall in the Ministry of Defence's budget in nominal terms despite an increase in wider government spending. The proposed budget will see funding for defence fall from 12.1% of government expenditure in 2013 to 7.8% in 2014.
If approved, the new budget would represent the first decrease in defence spending by Nigeria since at least 2006. Between 2007 and 2013 the defence budget grew at an average rate of 20.6% in nominal terms making the 2014 proposal a marked departure from the prevailing trend over recent years. In real terms the new budget will cause a reduction of 12.7%.
In the past the Ministry of Finance has subsequently increased defence spending through budget amendments during the course of the Fiscal Year. Last year the Ministry of Defence's budgetary allocation was, for example, revised upward by NGN15.9 million or 4.4%, according to official figures. Nevertheless, the new budget still represents a 2.5% decrease in expenditure when compared with the initial budget proposal for 2013.
Of the 2014 budget, NGN132.7 billion will be allocated to the army, NGN70.1 billion to the navy and NGN73.2 billion to the air force. The remaining NGN64.3 billion will be allocated to defence-wide functions including funding for missions.

http://www.janes.com/article/32167/nigerian-defence-spending-to-fall-for-the-first-time-in-a-decade

Citation :

Nigeria; National Police orders S.African Springbuck protected vehicles

South African DCD Protected Mobility has been training Nigerian Police Force personnel on the Springbuck VI armoured personnel carrier at its facilities at Isando and at the Gerotek vehicle range outside Pretoria as deliveries to the Nigerian police continue.

DCD Protected Mobility said a group of ten operators and maintenance personnel attended a two-week training course in November and December 2013. The two-module training course focused on operating the Springbuck VI vehicle and on performing first line technical repairs. “Trainee feedback indicated that the group derived great value from this training, which will be shared with fellow NPF officers in Nigeria,” the company said yesterday.

The Federal and State Nigerian Police Force have received 44 Springbuck APCs to date and these are deployed throughout the 34 States of Nigeria. Five more have just arrived in Nigeria and will be commissioned in the next two weeks. Another three will be shipped towards the end of next month, according to Mears.

http://dmilt.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9014:nigeria-national-police-orders-safrican-springbuck-protected-vehicles&catid=36:africa&Itemid=55

Citation :

DCD in talks to build vehicles in Nigeria


South Africa's DCD Protected Mobility is in discussions with Nigeria's Mekahog Group with an eye to establishing a plant to build the Springbuck armoured personnel carrier (APC) in the West African country, according to DCD general manager Andrew Mears.
Mears said this will be a phased project, beginning with maintenance and repair, then going over to local assembly and finally to local manufacture.
After the recent delivery of five additional vehicles, the Nigerian Police currently has 44 Springbuck Mk VI APCs in service, which it uses for patrols in high-risk areas. A final batch of three is to be shipped towards the end of February.

http://www.janes.com/article/32862/dcd-in-talks-to-build-vehicles-in-nigeria

Citation :

Le président du Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, a approuvé l’achat de deux OPV de 1 800 tonnes ; une ligne de crédit de 42 millions de dollars avait été ouverte dans le budget de la défense pour 2012. Le premier sera construit en Chine et la moitié du second sera réalisée au Nigeria.

Il s’agit de navires de 95 m de long, capable d’atteindre 21 nœuds et de tenir la mer pendant 20 jours. L’équipage comportera 70 marins. Ces OPV seront armés d’un canon de 76 mm et de deux de 30 mm ; ils pourront accueillir un hélicoptère et rempliront des missions de patrouille maritime, de surveillance des zones économiques (ZEE) et de protection des zones d’extraction offshore.

Ces achats s’inscrivent dans un effort conséquent de modernisation des moyens de la marine. Le budget 2012 prévoit l’achat de trois patrouilleurs rapides de type Shaldag Mk III, de trois patrouilleurs de 24 m et de six Manta Mk II ASD de 17 m (commandés à Suncraft Group qui en a déjà livré 15), pour un coût total de 13,7 millions de dollars. Une enveloppe de 6,5 millions est prévue pour l’achat d’hélicoptères et de pièces de rechange.

Le Français OCEA va livrer 3 bateaux. Le 13 mars dernier ont commencé, au large de Saint-Nazaire, les essais à la mer des trois patrouilleurs de 24 m qui seront livrés au Nigeria par le chantier vendéen OCEA.

http://lignesdedefense.blogs.ouest-france.fr/archive/2012/04/02/deux-opv-chinois-pour-la-marine-du-nigeria.html





Screenshot

Citation :

First Nigerian P-18N OPV launched in China


The first of the Nigerian Navy's (NN's) two P-18N offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) was launched by the China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Co (CSOC) on 27 January.
The ceremony at Wuchang Shipyard in Wuhan, China, also marked the 'hull formation' of the second OPV (F 92).
Nigerian First Lady Patience Faka Jonathan said her husband's administration is committed to the recapitalisation of the Nigerian naval fleet to enable it to address various maritime security challenges.
The delivery of the OPV (F 91) is expected to take place by mid-2014, according to outgoing Nigerian Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Dele J Ezeobam who handed over to Rear Admiral Usman Jibrin on 20 January 2014.

http://www.janes.com/article/33187/first-nigerian-p-18n-opv-launched-in-china

Citation :

Damen livre un crew boat gris pour l’offshore nigérian

Moitié ravitailleur, moitié patrouilleur. C’est le navire hybride que le constructeur néerlandais Damen vient de livrer à Homeland Integrated Osshore Services Limited (HIOSL). Cette société  nigériane, créée en 2006 et basée à Lagos, est spécialisée dans les services à l’offshore pétrolier et gazier. Elle offre des prestations maritimes, de logistique, mais aussi de sécurité. Comme nous l’évoquions dans notre édition de mardi, les activités offshore au Nigeria sont, en effet, perturbées par des attaques répétées de navires. Dans ce contexte, certaines compagnies utilisent par exemple, pour le transport de personnel vers les plateformes, des crew boats blindés, capables de résister aux tirs d’armes automatiques, protégés par des militaires ou gardes nigérians et capables d’échapper aux assaillants grâce à une vitesse élevée.  




C’est dans cet esprit qu’a été conçu le Fast Crew Supplier (FCS) Guardian 1, qui vient d’achever ses essais au large des Pays Bas et, suite à sa livraison par Damen à HIOSL, va rejoindre Port Harcourt, au Nigeria. Présenté comme un « patrol vessel », c'est-à-dire un patrouilleur, ce navire adopte le design FCS 3307 développé par Damen. Il mesure 33.5 mètres de long et peut atteindre la vitesse de 30 nœuds. Disposant d’une surface de pont de 75 m² pour le stockage de matériel, il peut transporter 80 passagers. Il effectuera, ainsi, des missions de sécurité en mer, mais aussi du transfert de personnel et de fret entre Port Harcourt et les installations au large.

Le Guardian 1 est le troisième patrouilleur d’HIOSL, qui se dit très satisfaite du navire et ne cache pas son souhait d’élargir sa flotte, avec un projet de deux nouveaux patrouilleurs et deux ravitailleurs de plateformes de type PSV (Platform Supply Vessel).

M&M

Citation :

China to export P18N Offshore Patrol Vessel with stealth performance to Nigeria Navy




The first unit of a new class of offshore patrol vessel that China plans to export to Nigeria has been launched. It will be delivered in the middle of 2014 as scheduled. It will become the first ship of the Nigerian navy's P18N project. During an interview, Major General Yin Zhuo made particular mention of the vessel's stealth performance.



On the stealth performance of F91, Yin Zhuo pointed out that the ship's bows lean slightly inward, and bevels are superimposed on the upper part of the deck; as a result, the radar reflection points are few and the radar image is small. He pointed out that an 1,800-ton ship with stealth capacity will have the radar reflection area of a ship of about 500 tons; it can be discovered only when it is very close to the radar of enemy, and cannot be observed if an appropriate distance is kept from the enemy radar.
In April 2012, Nigeria signed a contract with China to build two P18N OPVs. Under the contract, the lead ship was to be built in Wuhan with construction starting in October 2012, while the second unit is expected to be partially built in Nigeria.

P18N Offshore Patrol Vessels have a displacement 1,800, a length of 95 m, width of 12.2 m and beam of 3.5 m. It is powered by two MTU 20V 4000M diesel engines. The maximum speed is 21 knots.

The endurance of the vessel is 20 days at sea for a crew of 70 sailors. These OPVs are fitted with a H/PJ26 76mm main gun mount and two H/PJ14 30mm gun mounts. The class may accomodate a Z- 9 helicopter thanks to its helipad and hangar at the stern.

http://www.navyrecognition.com

Citation :

Nigerian Navy considers surplus Sea Knight and Seasprite helos




A delegation from the Nigerian Navy recently visited the United States to discuss the procurement of surplus Boeing-Vertol HH-46 Sea Knight and Kaman H-2 Seasprite helicopters from the US Marine Corps (USMC), the US Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) announced on 17 March.
The delegation arrived at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point in North Carolina on 4 February for a visit to NAVAIR's Specialized and Proven Aircraft Program Office (PMA-226) that included a search and rescue flight demonstration aboard HH-46E helicopter. While NAVAIR said that the Nigerian Navy is interested in procuring surplus HH-46E and H-2 platforms, the command did not reveal possible numbers or delivery timelines.
With the HH-46E in the process of being replaced by the Bell-Boeing MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor, and the H-2 now long-retired from US Navy service, there are numerous examples of both types at 'the boneyard' at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona. As Excess Defense Articles (EDA), the helicopters would only cost Nigeria the expense of retrieving them from the boneyard and re-equipping them for flight operations. The airframes and engines would be gifted, free of charge.
The Nigerian Navy currently operates an air arm made up of three Fokker F27 transport aircraft, four AgustaWestland AW109 Power and two AW139 utility helicopters, two Westland Lynx Mk89 anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopters, and two Bell 206B JetRanger training helicopters.
It is not clear if the HH-46Es or H-2s to be procured would augment or replace any of the types already in service, but with the operational status of the Lynx platforms in doubt it is probable that these would be replaced by the H-2 in the ASW role. Most of the Nigerian Navy's aviation assets are land-based, with only the NNS Aradu MEKO Type 360 frigate capable of embarking Lynx/H-2-class helicopters.

http://www.janes.com/article/35527/nigerian-navy-considers-surplus-sea-knight-and-seasprite-helos

Citation :

Nigerian Navy receives three patrol boats

The Nigerian Navy has taken delivery of one Manta and two OCEA patrol boats, donated by the Nigerian Port Authority to fight maritime crime.

The boats were handed over by the Port Authority (NPA) on March 18 during a ceremony attended by the Managing Director of the NPA Mallam Habib Abdullahi, who said the handover demonstrated the Authority’s determination to collaborate and partner with other relevant government agencies to secure the nation’s territorial waters both off shore and on shore.

Abdullahi added that “We are optimistic that these patrol boats, consisting of one 32 meters OCEA named NNS Dorina and two 17 meters Manta boats named NNS Torie and NNS Egede, with their unique operational features and capacities, will augment the fleets of the Nigerian Navy in their search and rescue operations within the nation’s water fronts”.

The OCEA patrol boats are FPB 98 models. The company delivered three 24 metre FPB 72 patrol craft to the Navy in 2012.
The Managing Director also disclosed that the Authority in collaboration with Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has plans to rehabilitate the Navy’s Forward Operational Base (FOB) at Takwa Bay.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Usman Jubrin, said the donation could not have come at a etter time considering the prevailing security challenges in the nation’s maritime domain.

Represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy, Rear Admiral S I Alade, the Chief of Naval Staff noted that Nigeria’s Maritime space is of immense importance to the nation’s maritime domain.

The recent acquisitions are part of a string of orders from the Nigerian Navy. Late last year it emerged that the service had taken delivery of three new 17 metre-long Manta Mk II ASD Littoral Interceptors and one new 25 metre-long Shaldag Mk II Fast Patrol Craft.

The four boats were commissioned into service at the NNS Beecroft Naval Base on Victoria Island in Lagos in November.

The NN now has 22 of the 17 metre-long Manta Mk II ASD Littoral Interceptors while the number of Israeli-made Shaldag Fast Patrol Craft (FPC) vessels has increased to five. The first two Shaldag FPCs were delivered in 2009 while two more were commissioned into service in February 2013.

The Suncraft International Manta Mk II is powered by two 1 200 hp diesel engines, giving a top speed between 45 and 50 knots. The 16.5 metre long vessels feature ballistic protection, carry a crew of six and have a range of 250 nautical miles at 35 knots.
The Nigerian Navy is expected to receive two P-18N offshore patrols vessels from China in the second half of this year and is expected to take delivery of two more ex-US Coastguard vessels, USNS John McDonnell and USCGC Gallatin, in due course.

http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=34158:nigerian-navy-receives-three-patrol-boats&catid=51:Sea&Itemid=106

Citation :

USCG decommissions cutter destined for Nigeria


The US Coast Guard (USCG) decommissioned the Hamilton-class cutter USCGC Gallatin on 31 March in preparation for handing it over to the Nigerian Navy.
The vessel will be officially transferred to Nigeria on 7 May, the USCG told IHS Jane's . The Nigerian Navy will be able to sail the vessel away once the upgrades, maintenance, and training services it has requested are completed, which is expected to happen in the third quarter of 2014.
Nigeria already has a Hamilton-class vessel, which was transferred in 2011 and renamed NNS Thunder .

http://www.janes.com/article/36311/uscg-decommissions-cutter-destined-for-nigeria

Citation :

Nigeria to buy new fighters, choppers
Associated Press
ABUJA, Nigeria — The chief of Nigeria’s air force says it is buying new fighter jets and helicopters.The air force has been pivotal in an offensive to curb an Islamic uprising in the northeast with near-daily bombing raids on insurgent hideouts in forests and caves along the border with Cameroon.Air Marshal Adesola Amosu said Wednesday that the government has approved the acquisition of fighter aircraft and helicopters as well as upgrades for some existing aircraft. The air force uses mainly Chinese Chengdu-F7 multi-role fighters and Russian Mi-35 attack helicopters. Amosu said C-130 and G-222 transport planes also are being used in the conflict.Extremists destroyed two helicopter gunships and three decommissioned fighter jets in an attack on a base in the northeastern city of Maiduguri in December.

http://www.heraldnet.com

Citation :

Nigeria receives ex-US Coast Guard cutter Gallatin



The Nigerian Navy yesterday received the former US Coast Guard cutter Gallatin during a formal ceremony in Charleston, the United States, where it was renamed NNS Okpabana.

The vessel was decommissioned on March 31 after 45 years of service. Personnel from the Nigerian Navy have been in Charleston for training on the vessel prior to its delivery voyage.

The transfer ceremony on Wednesday was attended by Nigerian Navy officers, coast guardsmen and visitors, who witnessed the lowering of the US flag and its replacement by the Nigerian flag, reports the Charleston Post Courier. At the end of the ceremony, Nigerian Navy personnel went aboard the vessel o take command.

Coast Guard Rear Admiral Bruce Baffer and Nigerian Minister of State for Defence Musiliu Obanikoro signed transfer documents in front of spectators, marking the official handoff of the ship to Nigeria.

“It’s with a heavy heart that this proud ship will no longer sail among our fleet of high-endurance cutters. But that sadness is tempered with pride as she begins a new life under the capable watch of professional sailors and now our close friends,” said Baffer.

“(The vessel) will continue to execute humanitarian missions for Nigeria, an important ally, security partner and collaborator in the struggle against global terror….Our two countries are united in our common goals for peace, safety, security and freedom of the seas.”

"We will cherish this. It signals the common interest of both American and Nigeria to strengthen the capacity of Nigeria to protect our waters and offshore resources,” Obanikoro was quoted by the Charlotte Observer as saying.

The Navy Times said Gallatin has had a busy career, covering such missions as maritime law enforcement, humanitarian relief, search and rescue and ambassadorial duties. Last year the cutter seized several tons of cocaine being smuggled from Latin America and the Caribbean. Apart from drug missions, Gallatin was involved in dealing with the mass migration of 27 000 Cubans in 1994; the search for the crew of the HMS Bounty during Hurricane Sandy in 2012 and in responding to the St Vincent volcano eruption of 1979.

The 3 250 ton vessel is the last high endurance cutter on the East Coast to be commissioned, although there are seven still in service on America’s West Coast. Gallatin will be replaced by a more modern cutter, the USCGC Hamilton, which requires only 120 crew compared to the 170 needed for the elderly Gallatin.

The 115 metre long 3 250 ton Gallatin is a member of the Hamilton class – the Nigerian Navy has already taken delivery of the Hamilton class cutter Chase (now NNS Thunder), which was commissioned in January 2012. Other vessels received from the United States include the NNS Obula, Nwamba, Kyanwa and Ologbo.

Although an elderly vessel, NNS Thunder was the only African naval ship to participate in the Royal Australian Navy Centenary International Fleet Review, sailing to Australia in August 2013 and returning in December.

Gallatin, introduced into Coast Guard service in 1968, is equipped with a helicopter flight deck, retractable hangar and a fast boat. The High Endurance Cutter has four main engines and can be driven by either twin diesel engines or twin gas turbines via two controllable-pitch propellers.

Last year Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba, said Gallatin, as well as the US Navy Survey Ship John McDonnell also destined for the Nigerian Navy, would be inspected between May and August 2014.

The USNS John McDonnell was deactivated on August 25, 2010, as the US Navy streamlined survey operations. The 63 metre, 2 054 ton oceanographic survey vessel can launch two 34 foot launches.

http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=34581:nigeria-receives-ex-us-coast-guard-cutter-gallatin&catid=51:Sea&Itemid=106

Citation :

Drones Nigeria bought from Israel grounded, reveals manufacturers


By EMMA EMEOZOR, with agency report Aircraft manufacturers have revealed how Nigeria bought Israeli surveillance drones years ago, which are now grounded owing to poor maintenance.

Had the planes handy, they would have been deployed to hunt Boko Haram, especially on the abduction of schoolgirls in Chibok, Borno State, they stated.

“To the best of our knowledge, these systems aren’t operational,” Tsur Dvir, marketing officer for Aeronautics Defense Systems, a firm based south of Tel Aviv, Israel that supplied Nigeria with Aerostar unmanned aerial vehicles, told Reuters yesterday.

Dvir, speaking on the sidelines of a conference organised by Israel Defense magazine, told Reuters that since the drones were purchased several years ago, Nigerian clients had not commissioned Aeronautics to carry out any routine maintenance.

“We did receive an inquiry from them about spare parts, but it never turned into a deal. I wish it had,” Dvir said, arguing that with their extensive flying range and thermal cameras capable of picking up body heat at night, the Aerostars could have helped screen northern Nigeria for the missing girls.

“They (drones) are probably parked in a yard somewhere, “ Dvir stated, but declining to say how many Aerostars were bought by Nigeria.

Reuters reported that Nigeria’s defence spokesman could not be reached for comments.

Last December, the Federal Government also unveiled a locally made drone at an Air Force base in Kaduna, although it has not flown since.

A government adviser said the Israeli drones were among many procurements that quickly went obsolete owing to lack of maintenance.

Reuters said a Federal Government source and a former Israeli military attaché to Nigeria both confirmed the information, although they said details were sketchy owing to the secretive nature of Israeli-Nigerian military cooperation.

The former attaché said the deal was struck in 2006, with a view to deploying the drones in the oil-producing Niger Delta, where militants were attacking crude pipelines and kidnapping oil workers before an amnesty three years later. They never flew.

Neither source, nor the company, knew how many had been bought, but an aerospace industry source said they each would have been worth between $15 million and $17 million.

http://sunnewsonline.com

Citation :

NIGERIAN ARMY TROOPS PICTURED IN STREIT SPARTAN MK.III APCs; VEHICLES ARE NEW TO THE INVENTORY

Posted on June 16, 2014







Nigerian troops fighting in the Northeast have now been photographed in recently delivered Streit Spartan Mk.III APCs. These APCs are new to the inventory as the Nigerian Army had never operated any Streit APC types before now, something which used to be the exclusive preserve of the Nigeria Police Force which field the Spartan Mk.II and Cougar Mk.II APCs.

PHOTO CREDIT: SIRIUS BLACK

http://beegeagle.wordpress.com/2014/06/16/nigerian-army-troops-pictured-in-streit-spartan-mk-iii-apcs-vehicles-are-new-to-the-inventory/

Citation :

UNITED STATES GOVT TRANSFER MILITARY EQUIPMENT TO THE NIGERIAN ARMY

Posted on June 26, 2014






BUSINESS DAY
25 June, 2014

On Monday, June 23, 2014 in the Aguiyi Ironsi Cantonment, Brigade of Guards headquarters, Abuja, the United States Government transferred to the Nigerian Army non-lethal transportation, communication and force protection equipment in support of the Nigerian Army’s battle against terrorism.

According to a statement from the US Mission in Nigeria, Major General Ibrahim Sani, Chief of Army Transformation and Innovation, received the equipment from General Linder on behalf of the Nigerian Army. He said the equipment will enhance the operational capabilities of the Nigerian Army.

During a courtesy call on Army Headquarters, Brigadier General James B.Linder, Commander, U.S. Special Operations Command Africa, was received by Major General John A H Ewansiha, Chief of Army Training and Operations (CTOPS), Nigerian Army Headquarters.  

http://beegeagle.wordpress.com/2014/06/26/united-states-govt-transfer-military-equipment-to-the-nigerian-army-2/

Citation :

Nigerian Air Force Mi-35 Helicopter crashes

Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters says investigation has commenced to unravel the circumstances that led to the crash of a Nigerian Air Force Mi-35 Helicopter on training mission Monday afternoon.1403017447481

The Mi-35 Helicopter, according to the Defence Headquarters crashed due to a technical fault at a location South of Bama.

It is not clear if any life was lost but the Defence Headquarters has ruled out possibility of any attack.

“The Bama Crash is not as a result of any enemy action. Further details will be made known as Investigation continues,” the Defence Headquarters stated on social media

http://thenewsnigeria.com.ng