Maritime Agencies
IMO Hails Nigeria’s Anti-piracy Arrangement, Recommends Same To Other Nations.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Nigeria’s Deep Blue Project encompassing various security arsenals that have enhanced safety of the marine environment three years running has been recommended as a model other nations should copy to ensure lasting safety in their domain.
Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Mr Arsenio Dominguez who is on a three-day visit to Nigeria stated this in Lagos, Saturday, after watching an anti-piracy demonstration exercise by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) at the Navy Town, Ojo.
The exercise observed by the top echelon of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy showcased a multi-layered maritime security and anti-piracy operation integrating combatant interceptor boats, special mission helicopters in the air and other intelligence assets collaborating under the framework of the Deep Blue Project to rescue a vessel under “attack” by pirates.The simulation saw troops storm the vessel, arrest the hijackers, conduct medical evacuations while escorting the ‘distressed’ vessel to safe anchorage.
Dr Kevin Okonna, Ag Rector, MAN, Oron, with other dignitaries watching the anti-piracy simulation display.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, H.E. Adegboyega Oyetola, NIMASA Director-General, Dr Dayo Mobereola and the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho joined Mr Dominguez to watch the anti-piracy simulation on display. Others on the train were the Acting Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Dr Kevin Okonna, and other agency heads under the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry.
Addressing the press shortly after the demonstration, the Minister recalled the current campaign by Nigeria for re-election into the IMO Council, an effort eloquently supported by verifiable achievements in anti-piracy operations and maritime safety.
“I am proud of what we have achieved in the past months,” the Minister stated. “With these results, Nigeria is well-positioned to return to the IMO Council and continue contributing to global maritime governance”.
Dr Mobereola, NIMASA DG, receiving a souvenir at the event.
In his remarks, NIMASA DG, Dr Mobereola told the IMO chief that his agency’s Deep Blue Project is a game- changer, a veritable strategy that has been deployed to achieve the maritime security Nigeria is enjoying presently.
“The Deep Blue Project is a multi-layered security architecture that has been very powerful for us in the past three years. It represents teamwork across all security agencies, and that collaboration is what makes it effective. We are determined to sustain the programme so that no barriers or interruptions affect its success.”
In his intervention, the IMO Scribe referred to the display one of the most impressive displays he had seen and experienced. Maritime security, he explained , is critical for Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea.
”The fact that for the past three years Nigeria has recorded no piracy attacks in its national waters demonstrates the effectiveness of this project.”
He urged the Federal Government to continue supporting the initiative.
“I strongly encourage Nigeria to sustain the Deep Blue Project. The results are clear. Enhanced maritime security supports the economy, boosts trade, and strengthens global confidence in Nigeria as a safe shipping destination.”
The IMO Secretary-General had earlier inspected ‘NNS Lana,’ the Nigerian Navy’s hydrographic vessel, as well as NIMASA’s C4i Centre and Regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (RMRCC). He commended the nature of the arsenals, noting with delight that Nigeria has developed the right mix of assets to effectively tackle maritime insecurity.
The IMO Secretary-General’s visit not only underscored Nigeria’s growing leadership in Gulf of Guinea maritime security but also spotlighted the country’s investments in manpower, technology, and international cooperation.
As Nigeria campaigns for a return to the IMO Council, the Deep Blue Project hailed for delivering three years of zero piracy in Nigerian waters stands as both a national achievement and a global benchmark in maritime safety.
Maritime Agencies
OIL FACILITIES PROTECTION: Tompolo’s Tantita Acquires High-Tech Drones From US Firm.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Tantita Security Services Ltd (TSSL), the company in charge of security surveillance over oil and gas installations in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region, is in collaboration with Textron Systems Corporation, a United States–based defence and aerospace company, to supply her three advanced Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS).
TSSNL owned by Chief Government Ekpemupolo (popularly known as Tompolo) disclosed the business deal in her website publication of December 29, 2025. The drones will be delivered in a fully ITAR-Free configuration.
The Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 is designed to operate without runways, utilising hybrid quadrotor technology that enables vertical takeoff and landing, as well as fixed-wing flight.
The Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 VTOL UAS, Textron Systems says, is a mature, industry-proven autonomous platform known for its high reliability and operational flexibility. Its dual-mode capability allows it to operate seamlessly in complex and high-risk environments, making it well-suited for security operations within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Giving further insight into the contract, Senior Vice President, Air, Land and Sea Systems at Textron Systems, David Phillips, said the deployment would significantly enhance Tantita’s operational capability.
”The Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 VTOL UAS is a proven solution that will enable Tantita Security Services to expand its capabilities to protect the oil and gas infrastructure essential to Nigerian security and prosperity,” he stated.
The Aerosonde platform has accumulated over 700,000 flight hours across some of the world’s most challenging operating environments, underscoring its reliability and performance.
Tantita Security Services is expected to deploy the systems to strengthen surveillance and protection of critical oil and gas assets across Nigeria.
The contract also includes options for operator training and the supply of additional aircraft to support future capability expansion. Textron Systems noted that the agreement builds on a previous Foreign Military Sale (FMS) contract to Nigeria, further highlighting its ongoing commitment to supporting Nigerian security operations.
Textron Systems is a global leader in uncrewed air, land and sea systems, with the Aerosonde family of UAS currently supporting international customers and operations aboard more than 10 U.S. Navy ships. The company is a subsidiary of Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT), a diversified multinational with interests spanning aviation, defence, industrial manufacturing and finance.
With multiple payload configurations and comprehensive training and support services, the Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 VTOL UAS offers a versatile and efficient solution for security operations in demanding environments, reinforcing Tantita Security Services’ role in safeguarding Nigeria’s critical energy infrastructure.
Maritime Agencies
NEW YEAR CELEBRATION: MARAN Appreciates Stakeholders, Requests Greater Support and Collaboration in 2026.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to celebrate a brand new year, the pioneer maritime journalists’ group, the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN), has implored the entire business community, especially maritime industry stakeholders, to join the association afresh in advancing the cause of the industry to ensure more impact and relevance in the national economy in the new year and beyond.
In a New Year message, MARAN Chairman, Mr. Tunde Ayodele described 2026 as a “year of greater impact,” stressing the need for improved service delivery and more robust maritime reportage to support national development.
According to him, the collective efforts of stakeholders in the outgoing year contributed positively to the growth of the maritime sector, urging all parties to sustain the spirit of unity and collaboration in the new year.
“United, we can make Nigeria proud by contributing our quota to national development, each from our own little corner,” the MARAN chairman said.
Ayodele reaffirmed MARAN’s readiness to collaborate with organisations and institutions across the maritime value chain, noting that such partnerships are crucial to making Nigeria’s maritime space one that is admired and celebrated.
He expressed appreciation for the cooperation and support extended to the association throughout 2025 and called for renewed commitment in the year ahead.
“Thank you for your cooperation and support in 2025. Let us do it again in 2026,” he added.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
In the ongoing efforts to thwart economic sabotage in the Niger Delta, Tantita Security Services Ltd, the firm engaged in pipeline surveillance operations in the oil -rich region, has nabbed four suspected oil thieves, intercepting their vessel named MT Thor. Suspects are to undergo trial for economic sabotage .
Speaking at the handover of the suspects at Koko Port, Tantita’s Executive Director of Operations, Capt Warredi Enisouh, said the suspects were apprehended with an unspecified quantity of suspected illegally-sourced petroleum products aboard the vessel.
The interception occurred on 15 December 2025, around the Koko–Excravos axis of Delta State, says a situation report made available by the Special Prosecution Team (SPT) of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Petroleum Product Theft.
The report stated that Tantita alerted the Head of Investigation of the SPT after intercepting MT Thor, allegedly laden with crude oil obtained through illicit means.
It was further alleged that the vessel was being escorted by personnel of the Police Marine Unit, Delta State, who reportedly claimed they were acting on directives from the Force Intelligence Department (FID), Abuja.
Preliminary investigations by law enforcement agencies revealed that the vessel, now classified as an exhibit in an ongoing criminal investigation, is linked to a jetty operated by Ebenco Global Services Limited. Investigation officers disclosed that documents and correspondence connected to the jetty were obtained and are currently under review.
“The owner of the jetty, Mr. Ebenezer, was contacted by investigators and reportedly provided additional documents, including court orders, which are also being analysed as part of the investigation.
“On December 16, a joint investigation team led by the Head of Investigation of the SPT conducted a Joint Inspection Visit in Koko. The team first met at Tantita’s corporate headquarters in Warri for a briefing, which was also attended by the jetty owner.
“During the inspection, investigators attempted to obtain samples from MT Thor but were unable to do so immediately as the vessel had not yet arrived at the jetty, having been towed from an earlier location by security operatives.
“While awaiting the vessel’s arrival, the team inspected other containers suspected to be carrying crude oil within the premises of Ebenco Global Links Limited, where samples were taken from a storage barge.
“MT Thor eventually berthed at about 8:30 p.m. on 16 December, prompting the joint team to adjourn sampling and other procedures until the following day. As of 17 December 2025, investigators were reported to be en route to Koko to continue sample collection and complete investigation formalities,” the report read.
Receiving the suspects, the Head of the Special Prosecution Team of the Inter-Agency Task Force, Omar Sini, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s resolve to dismantle crude oil theft networks in the Niger Delta, assuring that all findings would be thoroughly examined and prosecuted in line with the law.
OIL FACILITIES PROTECTION: Tompolo’s Tantita Acquires High-Tech Drones From US Firm.
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Customs3 weeks agoNSC Boss, Akutah, Speaks At Maritime Journalists’ Seminar, Harps on Developing Trends the Press Cannot Overlook.
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Customs3 weeks agoTincan Customs Achieves N51.8Bn Surplus Above 2025 Revenue Target
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoNIGER DELTA SECURITY : Tantita Arrests 4 Oil Thieves, Nabs Vessel .
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Maritime Agencies6 days agoOIL FACILITIES PROTECTION: Tompolo’s Tantita Acquires High-Tech Drones From US Firm.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoNEW YEAR CELEBRATION: MARAN Appreciates Stakeholders, Requests Greater Support and Collaboration in 2026.