NNS Aradu

The NNS Aradu is a light cruiser commissioned by the Nigerian Navy and launched in 1977. It was built specifically for Nigeria by the German shipyard Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW) and is the only Nigerian Navy ship of its class. The vessel serves as Nigeria’s flagship and is a symbol of Nigerian maritime sovereignty. It is equipped for multi-role naval operations including patrol, escort, and training missions. The ship has been continuously owned, operated, and maintained by Nigeria since its commissioning, making it a genuine African naval vessel. It operates primarily in the Atlantic Ocean, protecting Nigeria's maritime interests and contributing to regional security.