The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has commissioned 31 newly acquired operational gunboats for the Force Marine Unit to improve the security architecture of the maritime domain.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
According to the statement, IGP Egbetokun commissioned the gunboats in Lagos on Thursday, marking a significant investment in maritime security aimed at enhancing the Unit’s capacity to combat crime, protect waterways, and ensure the safety and security of citizens and critical infrastructure within Nigeria’s maritime domain.
Speaking during the ceremony, the IGP emphasised that the milestone reflects a strategic response by the Force to the evolving security dynamics in the maritime environment.
He said that the deployment of these assets symbolises the Nigeria Police Force’s (NPF) renewed drive to strengthen maritime policing architecture, counter emerging threats, and reinforce rescue and patrol operations.
“The newly commissioned gun boats which are equipped with cutting-edge navigation and communication technologies, comes as follow up to the IGPs assurances on maritime security which he gave during the visit of the CEO Nigerian Shippers Council to the Force Headquarters earlier this week,” the statement noted.
The police boss reiterated the security agency’s commitment to working in collaboration with other security agencies and stakeholders to ensure the safety and security of Nigeria’s maritime environment.
He further charged officers of the Force Marine Unit to put the gunboats to good use in combatting economic sabotage and ensuring that Nigeria’s waterways are safe for smooth port operations .
The IGP was accompanied by senior police officers, including the DIG in charge of Operations, DIG Yakubu Kwazi; the AIG Zone 2, AIG Adegoke Fayoade; the AIG PMF, AIG Funsho Adegboye; the AIG SPU, AIG Tunji Rilwan Disu; and the Force Marine Officer, ACP Chima Ogarashi.
Other dignitaries present included government officials from various maritime agencies, the CEO of Sensor and Safety Ltd, Chief Oguntade Majekodunmi (represented by Mr. Babalola Tunde), and representatives from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
