The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF), has commissioned three newly acquired operational gunboats in Lagos to strengthen the Force Marine Police’s capacity to combat maritime crime and enhance security across the nation’s waterways.
The gunboats were commissioned on Friday as part of efforts to improve operational efficiency and address security threats, including piracy, sea robbery, kidnapping and smuggling.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, was represented at the ceremony by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2 Headquarters, Lagos, AIG Jimoh Moshood.
Speaking on behalf of the IGP, Moshood expressed appreciation to the NPTF and its Executive Secretary, Alhaji Mohammed Sheidu, for the intervention, noting that the new assets would significantly improve the operational capacity of the Marine Police.
He said the gunboats would enhance the Force’s ability to tackle maritime crimes and secure the nation’s waterways, particularly as preparations gather momentum for the 2027 general elections.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the NPTF, Alhaji Mohammed Sheidu, reaffirmed the Trust Fund’s commitment to providing the Nigeria Police Force with essential operational equipment to strengthen policing across the country.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Police Affairs and the Inspector-General of Police for their continued support and commitment to improving the capacity of the Force.
Dignitaries at the ceremony included the immediate past Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Police Maritime Command, AIG Okunade Ronke Nurat (Rtd.); the Force Marine Officer, CP Adepegba Adetoye; the Director of Training, NPTF, CP Tony Osifo; and CSP H. A. Oduntan (Rtd.).
Representatives of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and other maritime stakeholders were also present.
The Marine Police officers were charged to ensure the responsible and effective deployment of the gunboats in the discharge of their duties.
Moshood, on behalf of the IGP, reiterated the Force’s commitment to strengthening maritime security, protecting the nation’s waterways and creating a safe environment for legitimate economic activities.
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its resolve to safeguard the country’s waterways through effective policing, improved operational capacity and sustained collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
