By Oluyinka Onigbinde
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, on Tuesday demonstrated the growing operational strength of the Deep Blue Project as 177 maritime security personnel graduated from specialised trainings aimed at enhancing safety and surveillance within Nigeria’s territorial waters and the Gulf of Guinea.
The graduation ceremony, which followed a comprehensive operational and Command, Control, Communication, Computer and Intelligence (C4i) capability demonstration of the Deep Blue assets, highlighted the Federal Government’s continued investment in maritime security and inter-agency collaboration under the Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Infrastructure, popularly known as the Deep Blue Project.
The event witnessed live tactical demonstrations involving interceptor boats, special mission vessels, helicopter operations, communication systems, rapid response manoeuvres and coordinated maritime security operations designed to tackle piracy, sea robbery and other maritime threats.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Dayo Mobereola, said the graduation ceremony represented Nigeria’s unwavering commitment towards building “a safer, smarter and more secure maritime domain.”
According to him, the 177 graduates comprised 33 Special Mission Vessel officers, 14 Special Mission Vessel engineers, 107 First Intervention Boat drivers, technicians and boarding team members, as well as 23 helicopter operatives.
He explained that the personnel underwent rigorous capacity development programmes covering helicopter operations, medical evacuation, vessel landing and clearing procedures, interceptor boat manoeuvres, tactical operations, communications systems, unmanned aerial systems operations, first aid and combat medic training.
Mobereola expressed confidence that the newly acquired skills would further consolidate the security gains already recorded within Nigeria’s maritime environment.
“We are confident that the knowledge and skills acquired during this programme will further contribute to sustaining the security gains already recorded on our waters,” he stated.
The NIMASA DG noted that Nigeria has maintained four consecutive years without a recorded piracy incident, describing the achievement as a major milestone for the country’s maritime industry.
He said the improved security situation had contributed to a reduction in war-risk insurance premiums and enhanced Nigeria’s international maritime reputation.
According to him, the successes recorded under the Deep Blue Project also contributed significantly to Nigeria’s election into Category ‘C’ of the International Maritime Organization.
Mobereola commended the support of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for sustaining reforms and initiatives targeted at strengthening the maritime sector and advancing Nigeria’s blue economy agenda.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the Nigerian Navy, Homeland Security International, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies for supporting the successful implementation of the programme.
Mobereola stressed that sustaining the Deep Blue Project would require stronger institutional partnerships and continuous operational support among all maritime stakeholders.
“Together, we shall continue to build a maritime sector that is safe, secure, resilient and capable of driving sustainable economic growth,” he said.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the Flag Officer Commanding representing the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Mustapha, described the operational capability demonstration as “surgically executed with high level operational efficiency and professional excellence.”
He said the graduation ceremony symbolised not only the completion of training but also the strengthening of the collective resolve among maritime stakeholders to secure Nigeria’s maritime environment and the Gulf of Guinea.
Rear Admiral Mustapha noted that the Deep Blue Project remains one of the strongest examples of inter-agency collaboration in Nigeria’s security architecture.
“Myself and the DG sat together during the capability demonstration and we agreed that the Deep Blue Project is a classic example of inter-agency collaboration,” he stated.
According to him, evolving maritime threats require continuous professionalism, cooperation, vigilance and capacity development among maritime security personnel.
He commended Dr Mobereola and the management of NIMASA for sustaining investments in maritime governance, operational effectiveness and personnel training.
The senior naval officer further praised the instructors and facilitators of the Deep Blue Project for their dedication and professionalism, noting that the practical knowledge acquired by participants would improve operational readiness and coordination among maritime agencies.
Addressing the graduating personnel, Mustapha urged them to remain disciplined, collaborative and committed to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime environment in support of the nation’s blue economy aspirations.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Navy under the leadership of Vice Admiral Idi Abbas to continue supporting all legitimate efforts aimed at strengthening maritime safety, security and national stability.
Before the graduation ceremony, invited guests and stakeholders witnessed a detailed operational display of the Deep Blue maritime security assets, including coordinated sea and aerial surveillance exercises, tactical interdiction simulations and rapid-response operations carried out by trained maritime personnel.
The demonstration showcased the operational capabilities of the Deep Blue infrastructure and reinforced Nigeria’s determination to sustain security dominance within its maritime domain and across the Gulf of Guinea.
