Air Power, Decisive Force Multiplier in Maritime Security Operations, Aneke Asserts
Linus Aleke in Abuja
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has asserted that air power remains a decisive force multiplier in maritime security operations, offering speed, flexibility and reach that significantly enhance deterrence and enforcement capabilities in support of the Deep Blue Project.
The CAS made the statement while receiving in audience the Director General/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, and his management team at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force in Abuja during a courtesy visit.
In a statement, the Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, highlighted the Force’s robust air capabilities tailored to maritime roles. These include long-range surveillance aircraft, maritime patrol-configured platforms, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, and rapid-response air assets capable of swift deployment across coastal corridors.
Air Marshal Aneke emphasised that these platforms provide real-time situational awareness, precision tracking and coordinated response options essential for securing sea lines of communication and protecting critical offshore infrastructure.
He further stressed that the integration of advanced sensors, data-link systems and inter-agency communication frameworks enables seamless information flow and operational coordination.
Speaking earlier, Dr. Mobereola reaffirmed that maritime security is fundamental to economic stability, international trade and sustained investor confidence.
He noted that the growing volume of maritime traffic across Nigeria’s coastal and inland waterways demands continuous vigilance, advanced surveillance and rapid response capabilities.
The DG emphasised that a strengthened partnership with the Nigerian Air Force would ensure continuous aerial oversight, timely intelligence sharing and proactive deterrence, all crucial to protecting maritime assets and unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s blue economy.
The renewed collaboration between NIMASA and the Nigerian Air Force reflects a shared strategic vision aligned with the President’s drive to harness Nigeria’s maritime resources for sustainable national development.
By strengthening air–maritime security architecture and safeguarding the nation’s waterways, both institutions are reinforcing the foundation upon which Nigeria’s blue economy can flourish, driving economic growth, job creation and long-term prosperity.
