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NAVY CALLS FOR DEEPER INTER-AGENCY COOPERATION AS NIMASA TRAINS 177 PERSONNEL UNDER DEEP BLUE PROJECT
By Prince Benson Davies
The Nigerian Navy has reiterated the need for stronger collaboration among maritime agencies to sustain security across the country’s waters and the wider Gulf of Guinea. The call was made during the graduation of 177 personnel trained under the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency’s Deep Blue Project.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, said coordinated action remains central to addressing evolving threats in Nigeria’s maritime domain. He was represented by the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Mustapha.
Vice Admiral Abbas described the Deep Blue Project as a practical example of how joint operations and shared resources can improve response to piracy, smuggling and other maritime crimes. He noted that modern security challenges require continuous training, professional conduct and close coordination among all stakeholders.
The Naval Chief praised the graduands for their performance during the capability demonstration, stating that the exercise reflected the level of preparedness needed to protect Nigeria’s waters. He added that the training underscores the commitment of participating agencies to maintaining stability at sea.
He also acknowledged the role of NIMASA’s Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, in driving investment in maritime security capacity. Vice Admiral Abbas reaffirmed the Navy’s readiness to support programmes that enhance safety, security and economic activity within the maritime sector.
In his remarks, Dr. Mobereola said NIMASA would continue to prioritise partnerships and capacity building to strengthen maritime protection. He explained that the 177 graduands included 33 Special Mission Vessel Officers, 14 Engineers, 107 Fast Intervention Boat Operators, Technicians and Boarding Team members, as well as 23 Helicopter Team personnel.
The Director General stated that the training covered helicopter operations, tactical boat handling, medical evacuation, unmanned aerial systems, communications and combat medic procedures, all aimed at improving rapid response and intelligence sharing across Nigeria’s maritime domain and the Gulf of Guinea.
He noted that Nigeria has maintained zero piracy incidents for four consecutive years through the instrumentality of the Deep Blue Project, leading to reduced war-risk insurance premiums and improved global maritime confidence.
“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 significantly contributor to Nigeria’s election into the Category C of the International Maritime Organization,” he stated.
The NIMASA DG expressed appreciation to the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON “whose sustained support and dedication to the growth of the maritime industry and advancement of the blue economy agenda continue to inspire the Agency’s operations and strategic direction”.
He also 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 relevant security agencies and maritime stakeholders to sustain the gains of the Deep Blue Project and ensure safer waterways capable of supporting Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy aspirations.
High point of the event was the operational capability demonstration utilizing the Special Mission Vessel, helicopters, fixed wing aircraft and fast interceptor boats to execute a daring rescue of a merchant vessel under attack
