Navy calls for stronger Maritime Security Collaboration as NIMASA Graduates 177 Deep Blue Trainees
Navy Calls for Stronger Maritime Security Collaboration as NIMASA Graduates 177 Deep Blue Trainees
By Babatunde Aremu
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has called for sustained inter-agency collaboration to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime security architecture, describing the Deep Blue Project as a model for tackling maritime crime in the Gulf of Guinea.
Abbas spoke on Monday at the graduation ceremony for 177 personnel trained under the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency’s Deep Blue Project. He was represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Mustapha.
“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,” Abbas said.
He commended the graduands for their performance during a capability demonstration, saying it reflected the quality of training and operational readiness required to secure Nigeria’s maritime domain.
The Naval Chief also lauded NIMASA Director General Dr. Dayo Mobereola for sustained investment in maritime security capacity development, and reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to supporting initiatives that improve maritime safety and national stability.
Mobereola said the 177 graduands included 33 Special Mission Vessel Officers, 14 Special Mission Vessel Engineers, 107 Fast Intervention Boat Operators, Technicians and Boarding Team personnel, and 23 Helicopter Team members.
Their training covered 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,” he said.
Mobereola noted that Nigeria has recorded zero piracy incidents for four consecutive years through the Deep Blue Project, a record he said had reduced war-risk insurance premiums and improved global confidence in the country’s waters. He added that the achievement contributed to Nigeria’s election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization.
He thanked Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola for his support, and acknowledged the contributions of the Nigerian Armed Forces, Homeland Security International, the Department of State Services, and the Nigerian Police to the project.
