NIMASA Deploys Deep Blue Assets To Crack Down On Maritime Violations

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has deployed its Deep Blue assets and Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4i) system in a special enforcement operation to crack down on maritime violations in Lagos.

The coordinated operation, code-named “Blue-Green”, combined intelligence gathering, analysis, target development and enforcement activities across key operational areas in Lagos.

NIMASA said the operation also featured the deployment of a new specialised intelligence capability within the Deep Blue and C4i system to improve the identification, assessment and prioritisation of vessels of interest.

According to the agency, the capability enabled more focused target selection and provided real-time intelligence support to enforcement teams during the operation.

The Director General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, said the agency would formalise the “Blue-Green” operation as a recurring intelligence-led enforcement model.

He said, “Following the outcome of the operation, we at NIMASA will formalise Blue-Green as a recurring intelligence-led enforcement model and progressively expand similar operations to other maritime regions, including Port Harcourt, Calabar and Warri, in line with operational readiness and intelligence priorities.”

Mobereola added that deploying multiple enforcement platforms was intended to deter criminal activity on waterways.

“This deployment of multiple enforcement platforms is to serve as a deterrent to anybody with criminal intentions. We are glad with the level of cooperation from the armed forces,” he stated.

During the operation, several vessels were boarded and inspected as part of document verification and compliance screening.

The inspections covered statutory certification, cargo and voyage documentation, surcharge obligations and compliance with cabotage requirements.

NIMASA said the “Blue-Green” operation demonstrated the value of integrating its enforcement capabilities with C4i intelligence and Deep Blue maritime assets.

The agency said the approach would provide a foundation for more structured and sustained intelligence-led enforcement operations, with the broader objectives of strengthening maritime compliance and supporting improved revenue generation.