IGP Commissions 31 New Gunboats to Boost Waterway Security
Reaffirms Commitment to Maritime Safety
In a decisive move to bolster Nigeria’s maritime security architecture, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, today commissioned 31 newly acquired operational gunboats for the Nigeria Police Force Marine Unit.
The commissioning ceremony, held in Lagos, marks a major investment by the Force in safeguarding Nigeria’s waterways, tackling criminal activity, and protecting critical national infrastructure along the coastal and inland marine corridors.
IGP Egbetokun was joined at the event by top police officials including the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Operations, DIG Yakubu Kwazi, mni; AIG Zone 2, AIG Adegoke Fayoade, mni; AIG PMF, AIG Funsho Adegboye, mni; AIG SPU, AIG Tunji Rilwan Disu, psc; and the Force Marine Officer, ACP Chima Ogarashi. Also in attendance were representatives from maritime agencies including the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and Mr. Babalola Tunde, representing Chief Oguntade Majekodunmi, CEO of Sensor and Safety Ltd.
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Speaking at the occasion, the IGP described the commissioning as a strategic response to evolving threats in Nigeria’s maritime environment. He emphasized that the newly procured gunboats—equipped with state-of-the-art navigation and communication technologies—will greatly enhance the operational efficiency of the Force Marine Unit in tackling piracy, smuggling, and other forms of economic sabotage.
“This milestone reflects our renewed drive to strengthen maritime policing, improve rescue and patrol operations, and secure the nation’s blue economy,” IGP Egbetokun stated. He recalled his earlier assurances to stakeholders during a recent visit by the CEO of the Nigerian Shippers Council, noting that the new assets were part of broader efforts to fulfill those commitments.
The IGP further pledged continued collaboration with other security agencies and maritime stakeholders to secure Nigeria’s vast coastal and inland waterways. He charged officers of the Marine Unit to make optimal use of the gunboats in ensuring safe, uninterrupted marine operations and trade logistics across the country.
The event underscores the Nigeria Police Force’s proactive stance in modernizing its capabilities to adapt to the country’s dynamic security landscape, particularly in critical sectors like maritime safety.
By PRNigeria
