NAVY ADVOCATES INTEGRATED SYSTEMS TO TACKLE MARITIME THREATS
By Trek Africa Newspaper
The Nigerian Navy has urged stronger inter-agency cooperation, information sharing and systems integration to address piracy, armed robbery, trafficking and illegal fishing in the Gulf of Guinea.
Commodore Isah Ahmed, speaking at AFRIDEX 2026 in Lagos on “Interoperability at Sea,” said effective maritime security requires compatible surveillance platforms, common operational standards and coordinated procedures beyond just acquiring equipment. He cited the Yaoundé Architecture as key to regional coordination but warned that gaps in communication allow threats to slip across jurisdictions.
He outlined three pillars — connecting radars, AIS and operations centres through secure interfaces; adopting common data formats and security protocols; and defining clear responsibilities through joint exercises and regular reviews — while urging that interoperability be built into defence procurement and sustained with training, maintenance and cybersecurity.
