Navy Receives Donated Chinese Patrol Boat

The Nigerian navy has formally taken delivery of a new patrol boat donated by China, reports the state-owned Federal Radio Corp. of Nigeria.

The 150-foot (46-m) patrol boat was handed over on Oct. 28 during a ceremony in Lagos, reported Military Africa. The vessel appeared of a similar design to the Sagbama, a 125-foot (38-m) patrol boat donated to Nigeria in 2015, the publication said.

The gift is a gesture of goodwill to consolidate bilateral defense ties, said Defense Minister Bashir Magashi.

The new patrol boat would enhance the ability of the navy to combat insecurity in the region, said Vice Adm. Awaal Gambo, the navy chief.