Nigeria showcased the growing strength of its maritime security architecture on Thursday as 492 personnel graduated from 33 specialized training programmes under the Deep Blue Project, marking a major milestone in the country’s fight against piracy and sea robbery.
The graduation and capability presentation ceremony, held at the 5th Battalion Army Barracks in Elele, Rivers State, was presided over by Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Dr. Dayo Mobereola.
Describing the event as “a demonstration of operational readiness, institutional resilience, and Nigeria’s determination to maintain a safe, secure, and economically viable maritime environment,” Mobereola said the graduates now form the backbone of Nigeria’s integrated maritime security response.
The graduating cohort includes 232 Maritime Security Unit operatives, 19 armored vehicle drivers, 13 mechanics, 8 special mission helicopter pilots and technicians, 5 special mission aircraft pilots and 6 technicians, 49 vessel crew, 62 interceptor boat drivers and 28 mechanics, 52 C4I operators, and 10 operators of vertical take-off and landing unmanned aerial systems.
Their training was conducted across Nigeria and international facilities in Syria, Italy, Swaziland, and Australia, exposing them to global best practices in maritime security operations.
Mobereola outlined the technological edge now backing the personnel, including 2 special mission aircraft and helicopters for maritime surveillance, 2 deep-sea vessels, 8 unmanned aerial vehicles, 16 fast interceptor boats, 15 armored coastal patrol vehicles, and the Command, Control, Communication, Computer and Intelligence Centre serving as the operational nerve center.
“Through the Deep Blue Project and the collective efforts of all stakeholders, Nigeria has transformed the narrative. Today, we record zero piracy incidence since 2022,” he said, noting that the achievement has restored confidence among global shipping operators and investors.
He thanked Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola for strategic guidance, and acknowledged the support of Defence Minister Gen. Christopher Musa, Minister of State for Defence Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, and the Nigerian Navy, Army, Air Force, Police, DSS, and other intelligence agencies for sustaining inter-agency cooperation.
Special recognition was also given to technical partner HLSI Security Systems Technologies Limited for its role in capacity development and project sustainability.
Addressing the graduates, Mobereola said their training comes with the responsibility to uphold professionalism, discipline, integrity, and patriotism.
He reaffirmed NIMASA’s commitment to sustaining investments in maritime security, technology, and human capacity to consolidate Nigeria’s gains and position the country as a leading maritime hub in Africa.
The Deep Blue Project, launched to secure Nigeria’s waters and the Gulf of Guinea, has become a reference point for regional maritime security cooperation since its full deployment.
