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PHOTOS: NAF, NIMASA Deepen Partnership to Secure Nigeria’s Waters
The Nigerian Air Force and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening air–maritime collaboration aimed at enhancing maritime domain security and safeguarding Nigeria’s waters.
This followed a courtesy visit by the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, to the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force in Abuja on February 20, 2026.
A statement signed by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force.
The strategic engagement focused on consolidating operational synergy in support of Nigeria’s Deep Blue Project and advancing the Federal Government’s blue economy agenda through enhanced surveillance and coordinated maritime security operations.
Speaking during the visit, Mobereola stressed that maritime security remains fundamental to economic stability, international trade and sustained investor confidence. He highlighted Nigeria’s reported record of zero piracy incidents within its territorial waters over the last four years, describing the milestone as a testament to the professionalism and coordinated efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies.
According to him, the achievement has strengthened Nigeria’s reputation in the global maritime community and created a safer environment for commercial activities.
He noted that the growing volume of maritime traffic along Nigeria’s coastal and inland waterways requires sustained vigilance, advanced surveillance capabilities and rapid response mechanisms.
He emphasised that closer partnership with the Air Force would ensure continuous aerial oversight, timely intelligence sharing and proactive deterrence necessary to protect maritime assets and unlock the full potential of the nation’s blue economy.
In his remarks, the Chief of the Air Staff assured the NIMASA delegation of the Air Force’s readiness to deepen operational cooperation.
Aneke outlined the service’s air capabilities tailored to maritime security roles, including long-range surveillance aircraft, maritime patrol-configured platforms, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, as well as rapid-response air assets capable of swift deployment across coastal corridors.
He explained that these platforms provide real-time situational awareness, precision tracking and coordinated response options critical to securing sea lines of communication and offshore infrastructure.
The Air Chief further stated that the integration of advanced sensors, data-link systems and inter-agency communication frameworks enables seamless information flow and coordinated operations, describing air power as a decisive force multiplier in maritime security enforcement.
The renewed partnership, both agencies noted, aligns with the President’s drive to harness Nigeria’s vast maritime resources for sustainable development by reinforcing the security architecture required for economic growth, job creation and long-term national prosperity.
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