…as Navy seeks stronger Maritime security collaboration
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency’s (NIMASA) has graduated 177 personnel trained under the Deep Blue Project.
The graduation ceremony held in Lagos had in attendance the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas.
Represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Mustapha, Vice Admiral Abbas, the Naval Chief reaffirmed the importance of sustained inter-agency collaboration in strengthening Nigeria’s maritime security architecture.
He further described the Deep Blue Project as a premier model for effective inter-agency cooperation in tackling maritime crimes and sustaining security within Nigeria’s territorial waters and the wider Gulf of Guinea.
He also emphasized that modern national security demands continuous cooperation, professionalism, vigilance, and capacity development among all maritime stakeholders.
While commending the graduands for their operational efficiency during a capability demonstration, the Naval Chief noted that the exercise was surgically executed, reflecting the high quality of training and operational preparedness required to secure the nation’s maritime domain.
He also hailed the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, for his sustained investment in maritime security capacity, while reaffirming the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at improving maritime safety and national stability.
In his remarks, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, stated that the agency remains fully 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, alongside 23 Helicopter Team members.
These personnel underwent specialized training in helicopter operations, tactical boat manoeuvres, medical evacuation, unmanned aerial systems, communications, and combat medic procedures designed to improve operational efficiency and rapid response capabilities.
Dr. Mobereola highlighted that Nigeria has successfully maintained zero piracy incidents for four consecutive years through the instrumentality of the Deep Blue Project.
This landmark achievement has restored global confidence in the nation’s maritime domain, reduced war-risk insurance premiums, and significantly contributed to Nigeria’s election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
The NIMASA Director General expressed his appreciation to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, whose dedication continues to inspire the agency’s strategic direction.
He also commended the Nigerian Armed Forces, Homeland Security International (HLSI), the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and other stakeholders for sustaining the successes recorded under the project.
The high point of the event was a live operational capability demonstration utilizing a Special Mission Vessel, helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, and fast interceptor boats to execute a daring simulated rescue of a merchant vessel under criminal attack.
