By Danjuma Amodu | February 22, 2026
The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, has met with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall S. K. Aneke, to strengthen tactical air support for the Deep Blue Project. This initiative aims to sustain Nigeria’s zero piracy record and boost maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.
Dr. Mobereola emphasized the Air Force’s strategic role in enhancing maritime security, citing Nigeria’s achievement of zero piracy in the last four years. He sought the Air Force’s support for tactical air surveillance, saying, “We need your collaboration to sustain this momentum.”
In response, the Chief of Air Staff assured NIMASA of the Air Force’s support, proposing a joint strategic framework, integrated command structures, and a standing steering committee. He offered the Air Force’s ISR platforms, tactical air support, and rapid airborne deployment for interdictions and search and rescue missions.
The meeting addressed operational challenges, including communication gaps, maintenance training, fueling delays, and provision of flying kits. The Air Force thanked NIMASA for training its pilots under the Deep Blue Project and looked forward to continued collaboration.
The Deep Blue Project is a game-changer for Nigeria’s maritime security, integrating air, land, and sea assets to provide round-the-clock maritime domain awareness. Since its launch in 2021, it has significantly reduced piracy incidents, positioning Nigeria as a leader in maritime security cooperation in West and Central Africa.
The project has achieved zero piracy incidents in Nigerian waters for over three years, earning commendation from the International Maritime Organization (IMO). It has enhanced maritime security, promoting increased shipping activities and investor participation. Nigeria’s efforts have inspired regional cooperation, with several African countries seeking to replicate the Deep Blue Project model.
NIMASA is expanding the project to ensure long-term sustainability and deepen its impact across the Gulf of Guinea, establishing UAV wings in Lagos, Calabar, and Port Harcourt. The Air Force has outlined its robust air capabilities, including long-range surveillance aircraft, maritime patrol-configured platforms, UAVs, and rapid-response air assets.
The collaboration aims to ensure continuous aerial oversight, timely intelligence sharing, and proactive deterrence, protecting maritime assets and unlocking Nigeria’s blue economy potential.
The Deep Blue Project has had a significant impact on Nigeria’s economy, reducing piracy incidents by roughly 90% in 2024 compared to the peak in 2020. This has led to increased shipping, investor participation, and foreign direct investments in the country.
However, challenges persist, including illegal fishing, trafficking, and corruption within maritime institutions. To sustain the project’s success, Nigeria must address underlying socioeconomic issues driving maritime crime.
The project has enhanced regional cooperation, with several African countries seeking to replicate Nigeria’s model. The Nigerian Air Force has assured NIMASA of its commitment to enhanced operational synergy, outlining its capabilities in long-range surveillance, maritime patrol, UAVs, and rapid-response air assets.
