The Western Naval Command in Apapa, Lagos, on Wednesday received the Indonesian Navy Ship, KRI Canopus 936 on a port call that underscored growing defence cooperation between Nigeria and Indonesia.
Welcoming the vessel, the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Abubakar Mustapha, described the visit as a clear signal of deepening bilateral ties between both navies and their respective countries.
Mustapha, who spoke on behalf of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, noted that the arrival of Canopus followed closely on the heels of an earlier visit by an Indonesian frigate, reinforcing a pattern of sustained naval engagement.
He highlighted the strategic importance of the 105 metre hydrographic and oceanographic vessel, noting its advanced capabilities, including remotely operated and autonomous underwater vehicles designed for deep sea exploration and data collection.
According to him, Nigeria stands to benefit significantly from such technology, particularly in enhancing maritime domain awareness, oceanographic research and the mapping of critical underwater resources.
The naval chief further pointed to existing defence cooperation frameworks between both countries, including officer training exchanges and a 2023 letter of intent covering capacity building, intelligence sharing and equipment acquisition.
He stressed that collaboration in hydrography would open new frontiers, especially as Nigeria seeks to better understand its maritime environment rich in hydrocarbons, fisheries and other strategic assets.
Mustapha also drew parallels between regional maritime security efforts in the Gulf of Guinea and Southeast Asia, noting opportunities for both countries to share experiences in anti piracy operations and joint surveillance systems.
In his remarks, the Commanding Officer of KRI Canopus 936, Captain Indra Giri, explained that the vessel was built through a collaboration between Indonesia and Germany and is equipped with cutting edge hydrographic technology capable of operating at depths of up to 2,000 metres.
He disclosed that the ship departed Germany on March 14 and is on a 56 day voyage to Indonesia, with Lagos as one of five scheduled stops, describing the reception in Nigeria as warm and expressing optimism for stronger future collaboration between both navies.
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