The new assets were unveiled at the 2026 Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX), held at Eko Atlantic City, Lagos, as part of efforts to improve the country's capacity to monitor its maritime environment and tackle piracy and other illegal activities in Nigerian waters.

According to a statement issued by NIMASA's Deputy Director and Head of Public Relations, Osagie Edward, the newly acquired equipment includes vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicles, light utility vehicles designed for land-based operations, newly delivered armoured vehicles and other specialised surveillance and tactical equipment.

The agency explained that the acquisitions would strengthen the operational capacity and sustainability of the Deep Blue Project, ensuring that personnel deployed under the initiative have improved resources to support maritime security operations.

NIMASA Director-General, Dr Dayo Mobereola, said the investment reflected the agency's determination to sustain efforts against piracy and other unlawful activities within Nigeria's territorial waters.

Mobereola, who was represented at the exhibition by the Head of the Deep Blue Unit, Aisha Yakubu Idris, reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to maintaining a secure maritime environment and protecting its waters against criminal activities.

He explained that continuous investment in modern technology and operational equipment remained essential to strengthening the country's maritime security framework.

Also speaking at the event, Tal Spektor, Chief Executive Officer of HLS International, the technical partner to the Deep Blue Project, emphasised the importance of regularly upgrading security infrastructure to respond effectively to changing maritime threats.

Spektor noted that maritime security extends beyond activities taking place at sea, explaining that some illegal offshore operations have connections to activities carried out on land.

He also highlighted improvements in the project's intelligence systems, particularly in cargo monitoring and information-sharing capabilities between NIMASA and other relevant government agencies.

The exhibition attracted several senior government officials and stakeholders in the defence and maritime sectors, including the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), who visited the NIMASA exhibition stand and witnessed a demonstration of the Deep Blue Project's response to a simulated piracy incident.

The latest investment underscores Nigeria's efforts to strengthen maritime surveillance, improve coordination among security agencies and protect its maritime resources.

Through the Deep Blue Project, NIMASA continues to pursue a more coordinated approach to maritime safety and security, with the broader objective of creating a safer environment for shipping, international trade and economic activities within the country's maritime domain.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia