The Nigerian Navy on Wednesday in Lagos inaugurated 39 gun boats and 45 operational vehicles to assist the fight against criminalities in parts of the country.

Thirty of the boats were built in Nigeria.

At the inauguration, Minister of State for Defence, Mohammad Dan-Ali, said the gun boats were fitted with appropriate weapons and anti-ballistic protection to enhance optimal efficiency.

The minister was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Danjuma Sheni.

“The country’s security challenges have continued to demand a great deal of human and material resources to surmount, which in the light of dwindling revenue would be sustainable only with generous innovations and incorporation of home grown solutions,” Mr. Dan-Ali said.

He said the 30 8.2 metre boats, which were constructed for the navy by Epenal Boat Yard in Port Harcourt, would be deployed for rigorous patrols in the Niger Delta while additional 20 would be delivered subsequently.

“I am hopeful that the boats being launched today would further boost the ongoing patrol efforts in the various rivers and creeks of the country to the immense benefit of the nation’s maritime security,” the minister said.