Enhancing Nigerian Navy- Nigeria Police Relationships for Maritime Safety
By Kabir Abdulsalam
The task of protecting Nigeria’s territorial waterways rests squarely on the shoulders of the country’s Navy, which has greatly distinguished itself with courage, patriotism, and sacrifice in ensuring maritime security while improving the fortunes of the nation from the eagle eyes its keeps on the nation’s waterways.
Available records show a remarkable reduction in crude oil theft and illegal bunkering activities occasioned by the increased presence of Naval assets at sea.
In October this year, the operatives of the Nigerian Navy and Tantita Security Services, a firm operated by Chief Government Ekpemupolo (alias Tompolo) set ablaze an illegal oil bunkering vessel arrested with stolen crude oil aboard in Escravos area of Delta State.
At the point of arrest, about 600 to 650 cubic meters of illegally lifted crude oil in five compartments were said to be on board the vessel with registration number L85 B9.50.
With its “Onward Together”, Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Police Force have been collaborating on implementing and improving the security architecture of the country to beef up security for the safety of lives and property in the country.
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Accordingly, many reports have shown how the Nigerian Navy has been working assiduously to strengthen surveillance, build capacity and drill police officials on basic marine operations to combat threats such as piracy, pipeline vandalism, unregulated fishing, terrorism, and other marine-related crimes.
Without putting a stop, the two agencies have also collaborated to share intelligence and cooperate on policing the coastal areas to stop the influx of small arms/light weapons, sea robbery, kidnapping, child trafficking, and cultism among others.
Recently, The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba joined by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, at the Police Marine Office, Lagos, inaugurated five newly acquired gunboats for the Nigeria Police for patrols and response to emergencies on internal waterways.
The Police boss emphasized the importance of dedicated synergy to successfully stamping out crimes and criminality in the country.
On his part, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral AwwL Zubairu Gambo commended the Inspector-General of Police for his special focus on the acquisition of operational hardware for the Nigeria Police Force.
He stated that it is a worthy legacy that will effectively improve the operational capacity and capability of the Nigeria Police.
The CNS further assured the IGP and the Police family of the Navy’s support in all areas most especially on the safety of inland waterways in Nigeria and adequate protection of the lives and property of Nigerians.
Kabir Abdulsalam writes from Abuja.
