VESSEL REVIEW | P203 & P204 – Nigerian Navy welcomes new 76-metre offshore patrol vessels into service

The Nigerian Navy commissioned two 76-metre offshore patrol vessels identified as P203 and P204. The ships displace roughly 1,100 tonnes and carry a Leonardo 40 mm gun, an Aselsan SMASH 30 mm remote weapon station and two 12.7 mm STAMP mounts. Their missions include offshore surveillance, law enforcement, protection of economic resources and maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea. The additions expand Nigeria’s persistent patrol capacity against piracy, smuggling and illegal fishing, while their practical availability will depend on crew training, maintenance support and sustained operating funds.