The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) deployed assets from the Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Infrastructure, known as the Deep Blue structure, along with other maritime security units, for a coordinated enforcement operation code-named “Blue-Green” across key areas in Lagos.
The operation combined intelligence gathering, analysis and target identification with enforcement activities at sea. NIMASA also deployed a specialised intelligence capability within its Deep Blue and Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence System (C4i) to improve how it identifies, assesses and prioritises vessels of interest.
The new capability helped enforcement teams select targets more effectively and provided real-time intelligence during the operation. NIMASA also plans to make the “Blue-Green” operation a regular enforcement exercise.
According to NIMASA Director-General, Dr Dayo Mobereola, the agency will formalise Blue-Green as a recurring intelligence-led enforcement model and gradually extend similar operations to other maritime regions, including Port Harcourt, Calabar and Warri, based on operational readiness and intelligence priorities.
Mobereola said the deployment of multiple enforcement platforms would help deter criminal activities at sea. He also acknowledged the cooperation of the armed forces during the operation.
During the operation, enforcement teams boarded and inspected several vessels to verify documents and check compliance. The inspections covered statutory certificates, cargo and voyage documents, surcharge obligations and cabotage requirements.
The Blue-Green operation showed how NIMASA can combine its enforcement capabilities with C4i intelligence and Deep Blue maritime assets to carry out more organised and sustained compliance operations. The agency said the approach would also support revenue generation within the maritime sector.
Source: independent.ng
