The Nigerian Navy has announced the full deployment of assets acquired by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) under the Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Infrastructure, also known as the Deep Blue project. This deployment spans the Southwest, Central, and Eastern Zonal operations, significantly bolstering maritime patrols and security in Nigerian waters.
During a working visit by Rear Admiral Mohammed Abdullahi, Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, to NIMASA’s management, Commodore Victor Choji, the Acting Fleet Commander of Western Naval Command and Commander of the Deep Blue Project, emphasized the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment to the success of this crucial initiative. “The assets have already been well deployed. As we speak, five Armoured vehicles are deployed in Port Harcourt and three in Bonny,” he confirmed.
Furthermore, Commodore Choji revealed that ten additional vehicles and a drone unit have been deployed to Bonny, while the Central Zone Command has received three special mission elements in Brass and two interceptor boats with special intervention force elements. In Lagos, the navy received a recent directive to deploy two interceptor boats to support ongoing operations in the inland waters.
Speaking on behalf of NIMASA, Director General Dr. Bashir Jamoh highlighted the effective management of the Deep Blue assets by a project team led by a Nigerian Navy Commodore. He also reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to a robust partnership with the navy in advancing the country’s economic development agenda.
Dr. Jamoh emphasized, “The Nigerian Navy has a role to play in ensuring the implementation and enforcement of the NIMASA and Customs & Excise Act. While the Nigerian Navy takes care of the kinetic operations, NIMASA concentrates on non-kinetic operations, and the two must work hand in hand for us to succeed.”
NIMASA is dedicated to achieving full value for the investment in the Deep Blue Project and continuing to prioritize its operations. The agency is also actively collaborating with the National Assembly to update the nation’s maritime laws, specifically the Merchant Shipping Act, to include robust punitive measures that effectively deter criminal activities in Nigerian waters.
Dr. Jamoh commended the Nigerian Navy for its efforts in tracking vessels that switch off their Automatic Identification System (AIS) in Nigerian waters. He also called for enhanced synergy among all government agencies in the maritime sector, particularly between the Nigerian Navy and the marine branch of the Nigerian Police, to swiftly address recent incidents of criminality in the Lagos anchorage and inland waters.
The deployment of Deep Blue assets signifies a significant step towards fortifying Nigeria’s maritime security and safeguarding its invaluable coastal waters.
