China delivers advanced warship to Nigeria

A Chinese shipbuilder has delivered an advanced warship to Nigeria, substantially strengthening the African nation's naval power.

The NNS F91 offshore patrol ship, developed and manufactured by the Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group Co Ltd, one of Chinese navy's major contractors, has become the Nigerian Navy's largest and most advanced combatant vessel, the Chinese company said.

The ship will play a leading role in the Nigerian Navy's patrolling of oil fields and cracking down on pirates ravaging waters off western African countries, it added.

With a displacement of 1,800 metric tons, the ship is equipped with a helicopter platform, a 76-mm main gun and two 30-mm quick-firing guns.

It also features stealth capability, according to the shipbuilder which is also negotiating with several other foreign nations to supply the export-oriented ship.