To strengthen maritime security, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun has commissioned 31 newly acquired operational gun boats for the Force Marine Unit.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi who disclosed this in a press release said the ceremony, which was held in Lagos marks a significant investment in maritime security aimed at enhancing the Unit’s capacity to combat crime, protect waterways, and ensure the safety and security of citizens and critical infrastructure within Nigeria’s maritime domain.
According to Adejobi, in his remarks, the IGP buttressed that this milestone reflects a strategic response of the Force to the evolving security dynamics in our maritime environment and the deployment of these assets is a symbol of the Force’s renewed drive to strengthen our maritime policing architecture, counter emerging threats, reinforce our rescue and patrol operations.
The newly commissioned gun boats which are equipped with cutting-edge navigation and communication technologies, comes as follow up to the IGPs assurances on maritime security which he gave during the visit of the CEO Nigerian Shippers Council to the Force Headquarters earlier this week.
The IGP reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to working in collaboration with other security agencies and stakeholders to ensure the safety and security of Nigeria’s maritime environment, charging officers of the Force Marine Unit to put the gun boats to good use towards combating economic sabotage and ensuring our waterways are safe for smooth port operations .
The IGP was accompanied by senior police officers including the DIG in charge of Operations, DIG Yakubu Kwazi, the AIG Zone 2, AIG Adegoke Fayoade, mni; the AIG PMF, AIG Funsho Adegboye, the AIG SPU, AIG Tunji Rilwan Disu, and the Force Marine Officer, ACP Chima Ogarashi. Other dignitaries present includes government officials of various Maritime agencies, CEO Sensor and Safety Ltd, Chief Oguntade Majekodunmi, who was ably represented by Mr Babalola Tunde and representatives from the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
