The Nigerian Navy has announced the deployment of assets acquired by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) through the Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Infrastructure, popularly known as the Deep Blue project. These assets have been strategically placed across the South West, Central, and Eastern Zonal operations to bolster maritime domain patrol capabilities in Nigeria.
Commodore Victor Choji, the Acting Fleet Commander of the Western Naval Command and Commander of the Deep Blue Project, made this announcement during a working visit by Rear Admiral Mohammed Abdullahi, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) of the Western Naval Command, to the Management of NIMASA.
Furthermore, Commodore Choji expressed the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment to the success of the Deep Blue Project under the leadership of Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, the Chief of Naval Staff. This collaboration between the Nigerian Navy and NIMASA is aimed at enhancing maritime security and safeguarding the nation’s waters effectively.
During the interactive session, he said, “The assets have already been well deployed. As we speak, five armored vehicles are deployed in Port Harcourt and three in Bonny”.
He continued speaking and revealed that the project team had sent 10 additional vehicles and a drone unit, along with some personnel, to Bonny. He also hinted that during the recent general elections, the mere presence of the deep blue assets in those locations was enough to provide the necessary inference.
Choji also said that in the Central Zone Command, the Navy has deployed 3 units of special mission elements in brass and two interceptor boats with the special intervention force elements in central command.
“In Lagos, just last week, we got a directive that there is a requirement, and we are about to deploy 2 interceptor boats to support the operations that are ongoing in Lagos Inland waters. I can state categorically that we have the full backing of the Nigerian Navy for the success of the Deep Blue Project.”
On his part, the director general of NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, restated the agency’s commitment to a robust relationship with the Nigerian Navy towards the economic development of the country.
“I want to believe that the Agency and the Nigerian Navy have a lot in common to ensure safety and security in the nation’s waters. While the Nigerian Navy takes care of kinetic operations, NIMASA concentrates on non-kinetic operations, and the two will have to go hand in hand if we are to succeed. If you look at the Armed Forces Act, the Nigerian Navy has a role to play in ensuring the implementation and enforcement of the NIMASA and Customs & Excise Act toward,” he said.
Jamoh expressed the desire of NIMASA to earn full value for funds invested and to continue investing in the operations of the Deep Blue Project.
It was mentioned that the Agency is in regular contact with the National Assembly to ensure that the country’s maritime laws are updated, with specific reference to the Merchant Shipping Act.
This is to guarantee that there are adequate punitive measures in place to deter criminal activity in Nigerian waters. Dr. Jamoh commended the Nigerian Navy for their efforts in tracking down vessels that turn off their Automatic Identification System (AIS) while in Nigerian waters.
However, he called for better collaboration between all government entities in the maritime sector, including the Nigerian Navy and the marine arm of the Nigerian Police, to address recent criminal activities in the Lagos anchorage and inland waters. The FOC emphasized the importance of the Nigerian Navy’s relationship with NIMASA, as it was his first point of contact upon assuming the position of FOC Western Naval Command.
“I am here in recognition of the support and cooperation the Navy enjoys with the Agency, and we still have a long way to go in order to actualize the mandate of safeguarding the Nigerian maritime sector”, the FOC said.
He also used the opportunity to pledge the continuous support of the Command to the Agency, while they look forward to more cooperation in the coming years, for the overall good of the nation.
