By Seun Ibiyemi
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has unveiled advanced security assets, including surveillance technology, drones, armoured vehicles and specialised tactical equipment, to strengthen maritime security and combat piracy in Nigerian waters.
The new equipment, unveiled at the 2026 Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX), forms part of efforts to strengthen the operational capacity and sustainability of the Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Infrastructure, popularly known as the Deep Blue Project.
R-L: Head, Deep Blue, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mrs. Aisha Yakubu Idris; Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa; Chief Executive Officer, Homeland Security International (HLSI); Tal Spektor and a guest at the 2026 Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX).
The newly unveiled assets include light utility vehicles designed for bush and land-based operations, vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicles, newly delivered armoured vehicles and other specialised tactical equipment.
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd.), was among the dignitaries who visited the NIMASA Deep Blue Project stand at the exhibition. He also witnessed a tactical simulation demonstrating how the project responds to piracy attacks in Nigerian waters.
Speaking on the development, NIMASA Director-General, Dr Dayo Mobereola, said the acquisition was aimed at strengthening the sustainability of the Deep Blue Project and ensuring that military personnel deployed under the initiative had adequate equipment to tackle maritime security threats.
Mobereola, who was represented by the Head of the Deep Blue Unit, Aisha Yakubu Idris, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to maintaining zero tolerance for piracy and other illegal activities in its territorial waters.
He stressed that the additional assets would improve operational effectiveness and support ongoing efforts to safeguard the country’s maritime domain.
L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Homeland Security International (HLSI), Tal Spektor; Executive Director, Finance and Administration, NIMASA, Mr. Chudi Offodile; Assistant Director, Deep Blue Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA); Mr. Yusuf Shehu; a staff of the Deep Blue of NIMASA, former Head, Deep Blue NIMASA, Mrs. Gladys Owolabi (rtd) at the 2026 Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX).
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of HLS International, Tal Spektor, the technical partner of the Deep Blue Project, emphasised the importance of regularly upgrading security assets to address evolving maritime threats.
Spektor noted that maritime security operations must extend beyond the sea, explaining that illegal offshore activities often have connections with land-based operations.
He said the evolving nature of maritime crime required an integrated security approach that combines sea, land and aerial surveillance capabilities.
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According to him, upgrades to the project’s intelligence systems have improved cargo monitoring and information-sharing capabilities between NIMASA and other government agencies.
He added that stronger intelligence coordination would enhance the ability of relevant authorities to monitor suspicious activities and respond more effectively to maritime security challenges.
The Deep Blue Project is Nigeria’s integrated maritime security initiative designed to strengthen surveillance, enforcement and response capabilities against piracy and other maritime crimes.
AFRIDEX 2026 attracted security organisations from different countries, alongside senior military officers and key stakeholders in Nigeria’s maritime industry, providing a platform for showcasing defence technologies and discussing strategies to address emerging security challenges.
