Marine Police and the Safeguarding of Lagos Waterways
By Adebisi Adams Oyeshakin
Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial nerve center, heavily depends on its waterways for trade, transportation, and industrial activities. However, these busy waters also pose significant security challenges, as criminal groups exploit remote creeks for smuggling, unregistered boats ferry contraband, and unsafe vessels threaten lives.
Recognizing the strategic importance of these corridors, the Lagos Police Command under the leadership of Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh has embarked on a comprehensive, proactive approach to secure Lagos’s maritime environment.
A series of inter-agency operations underscore the Lagos Police’s renewed dedication to safeguarding its waterways. In mid-2024, joint efforts between Marine Police and Navy units intercepted a gang involved in illegal bunkering along the Badagry channel.
The operation resulted in the seizure of dozens of drums of adulterated fuel destined for inland markets, a clear indication that enforced security on waterways can disrupt criminal supply chains. CP Jimoh’s directive to intensify night patrols and bolster intelligence sharing with waterfront communities was instrumental in this success.
Another notable achievement was the rescue of passengers during a boat mishap near Mile 2. A vessel had mechanical failure en route, but thanks to an upgraded radio communication system commissioned shortly after CP Jimoh’s assumption of office, the Marine Police responded swiftly, evacuating all occupants and towing the vessel to safety. This advanced communication infrastructure has significantly reduced response times, saving lives and reinforcing safety standards.
On the other hand, smuggling activity around the Tin Can and Apapa corridors has also come under sharper scrutiny. Recall that in October 2024, a coordinated operation involving the Police, Nigeria Customs Service, and Navy led to the seizure of foreign rice and pharmaceuticals hidden in local boats.
Acting on credible intelligence about suspicious nocturnal movements, the CP ordered increased random checks at the Five Cowries Zone, sending a strong message that the waterways are no longer available for criminal exploitation.
Safety compliance has equally improved. Following a tragic incident earlier this year where an overloaded boat capsized in Ibeshe, the Command undertook rigorous inspections of passenger vessels. Unlicensed operators were suspended, and safety briefings were implemented, significantly improving passenger safety, instilling discipline among operators, and fostering trust in maritime transport.
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A vital element of this renewed strategy has been active community involvement. CP Jimoh introduced a community reporting network covering Ilashe, Ijegun Waterside, Tarkwa Bay, and Badagry. Youth leaders and fishermen now provide timely intelligence on suspicious boats, sand-mining activities, and hideouts used by criminals.
This grassroots engagement proved its value when a gang targeting fishermen along Kirikiri creek was tracked down and arrested, following community reports about a new, unlit speedboat operating at night. The local intelligence connected the dots and led to the gang’s apprehension, showcasing the significance of community collaboration.
Recognizing Lagos ports as vital national assets,the security measures extend beyond waterways and into the ports, which remain critical hubs for trade. The Lagos Police have deployed additional officers during peak periods to assist Customs with vessel inspections and cargo verification, reducing unauthorized activities within port areas and strengthening surveillance at strategic points. This increased presence has made it more difficult for smugglers and thieves to exploit port facilities.
Interagency cooperation has also been significantly enhanced. Operational collaborations with agencies like the Navy, Nigeria Customs, Immigration, and the NDLEA have expanded the scope of security coverage.
A notable example was a late 2024 operation that uncovered a drug trafficking route through remote creeks in Ojo, where traffickers used small boats to move illicit packages for distribution. The joint efforts resulted in arrests and the seizure of narcotics, effectively disrupting major criminal networks.
Despite these achievements, Lagos waters continue to confront challenges. The vastness and high activity levels of the waterways mean criminal groups often test enforcement limits by developing new routes or methods. Illegal sand-mining continues to threaten the coastline and environmental stability, further complicating security efforts.
No doubt, addressing these issues demands better patrol boats, advanced surveillance systems, and enhanced tactical training for Marine police personnel. The Commissioner has accordingly prioritized acquiring night-vision equipment and expanding training programs to strengthen operational capacity.
Overall, the Lagos Police’s strategic and multifaceted approach has yielded significant improvements in maritime security, resulting in reduced smuggling, safer passenger vessels, and the disruption of criminal networks.
These ongoing efforts reflect a deliberate policy shift focused on consistent patrols, robust interagency collaboration, and active community partnership that is making Lagos’s waterways safer. While challenges remain, the leadership’s clear direction promises a more secure, resilient coastline for Lagos in the future.
Adebisi Adams Oyeshakin, a PRNigeria Fellow, writes via: [email protected]
