By Mina Ojelabi
Nigeria’s Deep Blue Project has showcased its maritime security capabilities at the Africa International Defence Exhibition (ARRIDEX) 2026 in Lagos, demonstrating how advanced technology, specialised security assets and inter-agency collaboration are strengthening the country’s fight against piracy, illegal fishing and other maritime crimes.
The demonstration took place on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at Eko Atlantic, Lagos, where the project displayed its operational capacity to protect Nigerian waters and support maritime law enforcement.
Nimasa Deep Blue Project Representative Spektor, Ceo Hls international speaking with media at the Africa International Defence Exhibition ARRIDEX 2026 Eko Atlantic lagos
Speaking at the exhibition, Tal Spectre CEO of Hilsi System and Technology and a representative associated with NIMASA’s Deep Blue Project, highlighted the initiative’s achievements and growing importance to Nigeria’s maritime security architecture.
Spectre disclosed that the project deploys a range of specialised assets, including fast patrol boats, intelligence vessels, unmanned aerial vehicles, armoured vehicles, aircraft, helicopters and tactical equipment to strengthen surveillance, intelligence gathering and rapid response to maritime threats.
As part of the event, the Deep Blue Project conducted a maritime demonstration featuring vessels operating to showcase the capabilities supporting maritime safety and security. The exercise underscored the importance of operational readiness and coordinated responses to threats within Nigeria’s maritime domain.
From the Left Mr Shehu Yusuf, Manager C4i , Mrs Aishatu Idris Yakubu Head Deep Blue Project NIMASA , Major General MT Abdulahi , Brigadier General M I LEMU and Tal Spectre Ceo HLS international at the African, Fmr Director-General Nimasa Temisan Omatseye also a representative of the Deep Blue Project at the Africa international defense exhibition demonstration of the Marine operational capabilities.
Former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Temisan Omatseye, was among the personalities present at the event.
Spectre attributed the project’s progress to collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, NIMASA, the Ministry of Defence and other relevant security agencies, describing the initiative as an integrated security solution rather than merely an acquisition of military equipment.
He explained that its Command, Control, Communication, Computer and Intelligence (C4I) system supports vessel monitoring, intelligence analysis and the detection of suspicious maritime activities. Continuous technological upgrades, he added, are enhancing the system’s capacity to monitor cargo movements and support regulatory enforcement.
Left representative of the Deep Blue Project, kaki Habila Hls international, Edward Osagie Deputy Director Head Public Relations present at the demonstration of the Marine operational capabilities at Eko Atlantic lagos
Beyond combating piracy, sea robbery, militancy and arms trafficking, Spektor said the project also plays an important role in tackling illegal fishing, protecting marine resources, safeguarding government revenue and preventing unlawful disposal of hazardous waste at sea.
He stressed that effective maritime security was essential not only for protecting vessels and seafarers but also for preserving the marine environment, supporting fishing communities and strengthening Nigeria’s blue economy.
Spectre further highlighted Nigeria’s international maritime progress, citing the country’s election to Category C membership of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council and the removal of certain United States maritime-related restrictions after 12 years as significant developments.
Middle Honourable Minister of Defence General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd),right ext to the Minister Mrs Aishatu Idris Yakubu Head Deep Blue Project Nimasa , left to the Minister Tal Spectre Ceo Hls international present at the African international defense exhibition demonstration of the Marine operational capabilities.
He maintained that sustained investment in modern technology, personnel training, equipment maintenance and inter-agency coordination would remain critical to consolidating Nigeria’s maritime security gains.
The ARRIDEX 2026 demonstration provided an opportunity to showcase the Deep Blue Project’s operational capabilities and reinforce the importance of maritime security to national economic development, international trade and Nigeria’s standing in the global maritime community.
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