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Mobereola Seeks Stronger NAF Backing to Sustain Nigeria’s Zero Piracy Record

Mobereola Seeks Stronger NAF Backing to Sustain Nigeria’s Zero Piracy Record

Kathy Kyari 
The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, has called for deeper operational collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to strengthen tactical air support under the Deep Blue Project and sustain Nigeria’s zero piracy record.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal S.K. Aneke, at NAF Headquarters in Abuja, Mobereola described the Air Force as a strategic partner in consolidating the country’s maritime security gains.

“Nigeria is the only African country with a record of zero piracy in the last four years. The Deep Blue Project platforms have been instrumental in achieving this milestone, and we need the Air Force’s support to sustain the momentum,” he stated.

Mobereola emphasized that maritime security remains a critical enabler of international trade, noting that global shipping lines prioritise routes where safety is assured. 

According to him, enhanced collaboration between NIMASA and the Air Force would not only reduce response times to emerging maritime threats but also strengthen Nigeria’s trade competitiveness within the Gulf of Guinea corridor.

The Deep Blue Project, officially known as the Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Infrastructure, combines air, land, and sea assets to combat piracy, sea robbery, illegal fishing, and other maritime crimes.

Responding, Air Marshal Aneke pledged the Air Force’s full commitment to the partnership.
“We are ready to stand side by side with NIMASA to achieve the desired results,” he said.

Aneke proposed the development of a joint strategic framework, integrated command structures, and the establishment of a maritime domain awareness fusion cell to facilitate real-time intelligence sharing, synchronized surveillance operations, and faster response mechanisms.

He further assured that the Air Force could deploy additional Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms, provide tactical air support, and facilitate rapid airborne deployment for interdiction operations and search-and-rescue missions.

While commending NIMASA for sponsoring the training of Air Force pilots under the Deep Blue Project, the Chief of Air Staff identified key operational gaps requiring attention. These include improved communication channels, advanced maintenance training, reliable aircraft fueling systems, and the provision of flying kits to enhance operational efficiency.

He assured that collaboration between both agencies would now move “at thrice its speed,” reinforcing their shared resolve to safeguard Nigeria’s territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone.

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