Chibok Kidnapping: China Deploys Warships to Nigeria
Kusoro Jeremiah
China has re-assured Nigeria of its government’s commitment to assist in the rescue of the Chibok school girls abducted by terrorist group Boko haram.
Colonel Ku Hang Li, the Chinese Defence Attache’ to Nigeria said China was more than willing to help Nigeria in it’s battle against terrorism, but however, declined to give details of the security measures that will be put in place by the Chinese government.
The Colonel condemned the kidnap of the schoolgirls, reassuring Nigeria that China would do everything possible to see that the insurgencies are brought to an end and that the kidnapped girls are safely released.
While making the statement, the Colonel also revealed that key Chinese Combat vessels will be deployed on a diplomatic visit to Nigeria next week by the People’s Liberation Army Naval Task Group.
The Chinese frigate, he revealed were being deployed from Syria where they just finished an exercise assisting the Syrian government in the destruction of chemical weapon allegedly found in their arsenal.
He said that apart from Nigeria, the frigate would be visiting Tunisia, Cote D’Ivoire, Senegal, Angola, South Africa and Namibia.
The Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command Rear Admiral Ilesanmi Alade who received the Defence Attache also stated that Nigeria and Chinese military cooperation has increased within the last two years, especially with the building of a war ship from China.
He said that the vessel christened NNS CENTENARY is expected in Nigeria in July, while another vessel which will be built at the Nigerian Navy Ship Yard in Port Harcourt by the Chinese Ship Builiding Company has been initiated.
A contract to upgrade the Nigerian Naval Shipyard in Port Harcourt has also been signed by China Shipbuilding and Offshore International Company (CSOC), to enable it build OPVs and maintain vessels up to 10,000 dwt.
Upgrades to the dockyard include a new jetty, a new dry dock and other additions.
