The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has launched a major intelligence-led maritime enforcement operation in Lagos, deploying the Deep Blue assets and other security platforms to target vessels suspected of non-compliance and strengthen enforcement across key waterways.
In a statement issued on Monday, NIMASA said the coordinated operation, code-named “Blue-Green”, combined intelligence gathering, analysis and target development with enforcement at sea. The operation also saw the deployment of a new specialised intelligence capability within NIMASA’s Deep Blue Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (C4i) system.
The capability is designed to improve the identification, assessment and prioritisation of vessels of interest, enabling enforcement teams to focus on specific targets while receiving real-time intelligence support. NIMASA Director-General, Dr Dayo Mobereola, said the agency would make “Blue-Green” a recurring enforcement model following the outcome of the Lagos operation.
“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 said.
He said the deployment of multiple enforcement platforms would serve as a deterrent to criminal activity, while commending the armed forces for their cooperation. During the operation, several vessels were boarded and inspected as enforcement teams conducted document verification and compliance checks.
The inspections covered statutory certification, cargo and voyage documentation, surcharge obligations and cabotage compliance requirements. The agency said the approach would strengthen maritime compliance, deter violations and support improved revenue generation across Nigeria’s maritime sector.