The Nigerian Navy has reiterated the need for stronger inter-agency collaboration to enhance maritime security in Nigeria as the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) graduated 177 trainees under its Deep Blue Project.
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Idi Abbas, made the call during the graduation ceremony for personnel trained under the initiative.
Represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Abdullahi Mustapha, the Naval Chief described the Deep Blue Project as a successful model of inter-agency cooperation in combating maritime crimes and sustaining security within Nigeria’s territorial waters and the Gulf of Guinea.
According to him, modern security challenges require sustained cooperation, professionalism, vigilance and continuous capacity building among maritime stakeholders.
“The Deep Blue Project remains a classic example of effective inter-agency collaboration. Modern national security demands sustained cooperation, professionalism, vigilance, and continuous capacity development among all maritime stakeholders,” he said.
Vice Admiral Abbas commended the graduands for their professionalism and operational efficiency during the capability demonstration, noting that the exercise reflected the level of preparedness required to safeguard Nigeria’s maritime domain.
“The performance displayed by the participants during the capability demonstration was surgically executed, reflecting the quality of training and operational preparedness required to secure our maritime domain,” he added.
He also praised the Director-General of NIMASA, Dayo Mobereola, for sustained investment in maritime security capacity development and reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at improving maritime safety and national stability.
Speaking at the event, Mobereola said NIMASA remained committed to strengthening maritime security through strategic partnerships, continuous capacity development and sustained investment in the Deep Blue Project.
He disclosed that the 177 graduands comprised 33 Special Mission Vessel Officers, 14 Special Mission Vessel Engineers, 107 Fast Intervention Boat Operators, Technicians and Boarding Team personnel, as well as 23 Helicopter Team members.
According to him, the trainees underwent specialised training in helicopter operations, tactical boat manoeuvres, medical evacuation, unmanned aerial systems, communications and combat medic procedures.
“These specialised trainings are designed to improve operational efficiency, intelligence coordination, and rapid response capabilities within Nigeria’s maritime domain and the Gulf of Guinea,” Mobereola stated.
The NIMASA Director-General noted that Nigeria had recorded zero piracy incidents in its waters for four consecutive years through the Deep Blue Project, a development he said had reduced war-risk insurance premiums and boosted global confidence in the country’s maritime sector.
“For four consecutive years, Nigeria has maintained zero piracy incidents in its waters. This achievement has not only restored global confidence in our maritime domain, but was also a significant contributor to Nigeria’s election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization,” he said.
Mobereola also appreciated the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for his support toward the growth of the maritime industry and advancement of the blue economy agenda.
He further commended the Nigerian Armed Forces, Homeland Security International (HLSI), the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Police Force and other stakeholders for sustaining the successes recorded under the Deep Blue Project.
He reaffirmed NIMASA’s commitment to deepening collaboration with security agencies and maritime stakeholders to sustain the gains of the project and ensure safer waterways capable of supporting Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy aspirations.
A highlight of the event was an operational capability demonstration involving the use of a Special Mission Vessel, helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft and fast interceptor boats to simulate the rescue of a merchant vessel under attack.
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