AFRIDEX 2026: NIMASA Unveiled Newly Acquired Tactical Assets for Deep Blue Project

BY KESIENNA SHEPHERDS

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) says it has has unveiled modern security assets, including advanced surveillance technology, drones, armoured vehicles and specialised tactical equipment to strengthen maritime security and surveillance under the Integrated National security and Waterways Protection Infrastructure otherwise known as the Deep Blue Project.

The assets, which were reportedly unveiled at the 2026 Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) include light utility vehicles engineered for bush and land-based operations, vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicle, newly delivered armoured vehicles, and an array of specialized tactical equipment for the deep blue project.

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), according to a statement by NIMASA Head of Public Relations, Osagie Edward, FNIPR, was one of the dignitaries who visited the NIMASA Deep Blue Stand and also took time to witness the tactical simulation of piracy attack in Nigeria waters by the Deep Blue Project.

According to the statement, the Director-General, NIMASA Dr Dayo Mobereola, noted that these newly acquired assets are to strengthen the sustainability of the Deep Blue project and ensure that the military personnel deployed under the project have enough equipment to sustain the fight against piracy in Nigerian waters.

The Director-General, who was represented by the Head of the Deep Blue Unit, Aisha Yakubu Idris, noted that Nigeria would not rest on its oars in sustaining zero tolerance for illegal activities in its waters.

On his part, Tal Spektor, CEO HLS International, who are the technical partners of the Deep Blue Project, stressed the need for regular upgrades of assets to tackle evolving maritime threats. He added that maritime security must extend beyond the sea, noting that illegal offshore activities often have links to land-based operations

Spektor also noted that upgrades to the project’s intelligence systems had improved cargo monitoring and information sharing with NIMASA and other government agencies.

L-R: Assistant Director, Deep Blue Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA); Mr. Yusuf Shehu; Chief Executive Officer, Homeland Security International (HLSI); Tal Spektor; Executive Director, Finance and Administration, NIMASA, Mr. Chudi Offodile; a staff of the Deep Blue of NIMASA, Mr. Eche William Okpe; Assistant Director, Deep Blue, NIMASA, Mr. Olabode Ajibola; at the 2026 Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX).

AFRIDEX 2026 attracted reputable security organizations from different countries. The exhibition also drew senior military officers and key stakeholders in Nigeria’s maritime sector.

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Homeland Security International (HLSI), Tal Spektor; Executive Director, Finance and Administration, NIMASA, Mr. Chudi Offodile; Assistant Director, Deep Blue Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA); Mr. Yusuf Shehu; a staff of the Deep Blue of NIMASA, former Head, Deep Blue NIMASA, Mrs. Gladys Owolabi (rtd) at the 2026 Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX).

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