Navy new defence ship, NNS KADA, visits Oman

The Nigerian Navy’s newest Landing Ship Tank (NNS KADA), on Thursday, arrived Port of Al Duqum, Oman, on the first leg of her homeward voyage to Nigeria.

The Director of Information, Naval Headquarters, Commodore Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, made this known in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

According to him, the ship’s visit was the first Nigerian Navy ship to visit Oman.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nigerian Navy recently took delivery of NNS KADA at the Albwardy Damen Shipyard, Sharjah, UAE.

NAN also reports that the vessel was conceived as a replacement for the NNS AMBE and NNS OFIOM that were decommissioned about 10 years ago.

“During the port call in Oman, the Commanding Officer NNS KADA, Capt. Reginald Adoki, paid a courtesy call on the Commander of the Duqum Naval Unit, Capt. Badr Saidi.

“The visit opened a vista for enhanced military relations between Nigeria and Oman.”

In appreciation of the visit, Saidi stated that an Omani sailing vessel would be made to embark on a two yearly flag tour to Nigeria and West Africa for the first time.

Meanwhile, other activities during the visit were a novelty football, volleyball match and a cocktail on board the ship.

In continuation of her maiden voyage, NNS KADA’s next port of call would be Mombasa, Kenya, he said.

The director expressed optimism that the induction of NNS KADA into the Nigerian Navy fleet would no doubt play a critical role in sealift of troops and maritime crises management.

“Especially in conveying relief materials within the nation’s waterways,  thereby contributing significantly to the promotion of humanitarian assistance within West Africa and beyond,” the statement added.