The war against crude oil theft received a major boost as the Peoples Republic of China yesterday handed over a 46-metre gunboat and several military hardware to the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Army.

The donation is part of the bilateral relationship between Nigeria and China.

Speaking at the official handover ceremony in Lagos, the Minister of Defence, Major-General Bashir Salihi Magashi (retd), said the gesture was in line with the current efforts of the federal government towards supporting the military to combat insecurity, adding that the move has been impactful and yielding tremendous successes. 

The minister explained that the support and donation of equipment and platforms from strategic partners like the Peoples Republic of China would improve the capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Also speaking, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, said the support from China, which started years ago towards, enhancing the capability of the Nigerian Navy, would bolster its presence within the maritime domain, had been tremendous.