NAF, NIMASA Boost Unmanned Aerial Surveillance For Nigeria’s Maritime Security

On February 20, 2026, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director-General/CEO of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), visited Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), at Nigerian Air Force Headquarters in Abuja.

The meeting emphasized deepening air-maritime collaboration through unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to bolster Nigeria’s Deep Blue Project and secure the blue economy.

According to a statement, Dr. Mobereola was quoted commend four years of zero piracy in Nigeria’s waters, crediting coordinated efforts including continuous aerial surveillance for enabling safe trade and investor confidence.

He stressed the need for sustained UAV-driven monitoring to protect maritime assets.

Dr Mobereola reaffirmed that maritime security remains fundamental to economic stability, international trade and sustained investor confidence.

He highlighted Nigeria’s sustained, long-term trend 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.”

He added that “this achievement has significantly strengthened Nigeria’s standing in the global maritime community and created a safer environment for commerce to thrive,” underscoring the importance of continuous aerial surveillance and rapid response in protecting maritime assets.

In his response, Air Marshal Aneke assured NIMASA of the NAF’s unwavering commitment to enhanced operational synergy, outlining the Force’s long-range surveillance aircraft, maritime patrol platforms, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and rapid-response air assets designed to provide real-time situational awareness and precision coordination.

Emphasising that “air power remains a decisive force multiplier in maritime security operations,” the CAS noted that strengthened air–maritime integration will further secure sea lines of communication, safeguard offshore infrastructure and reinforce the President’s vision of a vibrant, secure and economically productive blue economy.

Air Marshal Aneke reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment, highlighting its UAVs alongside long-range surveillance aircraft and maritime patrol platforms.

“These provide real-time situational awareness, acting as a force multiplier to secure sea lines, offshore infrastructure, and the President’s blue economy vision.”