TheCable

The US has donated maritime security equipment worth $180,000 (70 million) to the Nigerian navy.

The US consulate in Lagos said this in a statement on Friday.

According to the consulate, the equipment is to enable the navy upgrade the anti-piracy and nautical security functions of the country’s regional maritime awareness capability (RMAC).

Claire Pierangelo, US consul general in Lagos, said the US government is committed to supporting the Nigerian navy in its operations.

She said the equipment were donated to help improve the navy’s capacity to monitor and counter marine threats through its RMAC.

“The United States is committed to supporting the Nigerian Navy in its effort toward securing not only your territorial waters but the larger Gulf of Guinea,” she said.

“The equipment we have here today is part of RMAC that began in 2006, aimed at enhancing the Nigerian Navy’s capacity to monitor and respond to the diverse maritime threats in your waters and the Gulf of Guinea.”

Tanko Pani, chief staff officer, western naval command, Lagos, received the surveillance equipment on behalf of the Nigerian navy.

He acknowledged the positive effects the introduction of maritime facilities brought to the navy adding that he was grateful for the support of the US

“It is pertinent to state that the introduction of the Regional Maritime Awareness Capability facilities in the Nigerian Navy has greatly enhanced our maritime policing efforts through intelligence-gathering patrols,” he said.

“We are indeed delighted and grateful for the continuous support of the United States.”

Editor’s note: This picture was used for illustrative purposes