Germany buys Nigerian Epenal boats

The government of Germany has purchased more than 30 Epenel patrol boats for enhancing the maritime security of the Lake Chad and the Gulf of Guinea.

Eight patrol boats were handed over to the Nigerian Navy on Friday, 16 May, by the Consul-General of Germany in Nigeria, Ingo Herbert, in Onne, Rivers State.

The rest of the boats numbering about 30 will be donated to the Chadian military to secure it’s own Lake Chad axis.

Herbert said: “The five boats are part of the Greater Initiatives Germany to enhance peace and secu-rity in partner-countries and fight against terrorism.

“The maritime space sensitively accommodates a lot of activities and movements and therefore, prone to security breaches. These boats will not only primarily contribute in your fight in the North-East, but also fight illegal fishing, oil theft and other maritime crimes.”

Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas, in his remarks, said that Germany had earlier supported the Nigerian Navy in provision of MTU series training engines as well as training of 23 naval personnel in Germany.