Artificial Intelligence and Maritime Security: Evaluating Its Effectiveness in Combating Piracy in Nigeria's Maritime Domain within the Gulf of Guinea (2019–2023)

This study critically examines the effectiveness of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in combating piracy within Nigeria’s maritime domain in the Gulf of Guinea between 2019 and 2023. Anchored on Securitisation Theory, the study adopted a quantitative research design and utilised a structured online questionnaire administered to relevant stakeholders. The findings indicate that AI technologies have significantly enhanced real-time maritime monitoring, identification of suspicious vessel movements, maritime domain awareness, intelligence gathering, decision-making and counter-piracy operations. The study also identifies challenges affecting the effective utilisation of AI technologies and recommends the institutionalisation of a national AI-driven maritime security framework, increased investment in indigenous AI-enabled surveillance and predictive technologies, enhanced capacity development for maritime security personnel, and stronger collaboration among maritime security stakeholders.