Inspector General of Police, Dr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commissions 31 new gunboats in Lagos to significantly enhance Nigeria’s maritime security operations and combat crime on waterways
Maritime Security Enhancement has received a significant boost as the Inspector General of Police, Dr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, officially commissioned 31 newly acquired gunboats on Thursday in Lagos.
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This substantial investment is set to bolster the Nigeria Police Force’s Marine Unit and represents a strategic leap towards securing the nation’s extensive coastal and inland waterways.
The commissioning ceremony, attended by top police officials including DIG Yakubu Kwazi (Operations), AIG Adegoke Fayoade (Zone 2), and AIG Funsho Adegboye (PMF), underscores the Force’s commitment to curbing criminal activities such as piracy, smuggling, and economic sabotage. The new fleet will also play a crucial role in safeguarding critical national infrastructure and facilitating trade logistics.
IGP Egbetokun, speaking at the event, highlighted the timely nature of the acquisition, describing it as a direct response to the evolving security challenges within Nigeria’s maritime domain.
He emphasised that the vessels, equipped with advanced navigation and communication systems, will considerably improve the operational capabilities of the Marine Unit.
“This milestone reflects our renewed drive to strengthen maritime policing, improve rescue and patrol operations, and secure the nation’s blue economy,” stated IGP Egbetokun.
The event also saw the participation of key maritime stakeholders, including representatives from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and Sensor and Safety Ltd., indicating a collaborative approach to national security.
Reiterating the Police Force’s dedication to inter-agency collaboration, IGP Egbetokun pledged ongoing partnerships with various maritime agencies to ensure safe and uninterrupted operations across Nigeria’s waterways.
He charged officers of the Marine Unit to make the most of the new gunboats and maintain constant vigilance in fulfilling their mandate.
This commissioning marks a pivotal step in modernising Nigeria’s maritime security infrastructure, demonstrating the Force’s proactive strategy in addressing the nation’s dynamic security challenges.
