IGP Egbetokun Commissions 31 Combat Gunboats to Enhance Marine Policing
…Highlights Eco-Friendly Law Enforcement.
THECONSCIENCE NG reports that the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has commissioned thirty-one units of newly acquired police combat gunboats on Thursday at the Lagos State Marine Police Headquarters in Ikoyi.
Speaking at the ceremony, the police chief emphasised that the initiative aims to bolster marine security in the state, aligning with the force’s mandate to effectively secure and police the nation. He noted that the new equipment would significantly enhance anti-crime and rescue operations on Nigeria’s waterways in Lagos State.
Egbetokun stated that the event was more than merely unveiling new equipment; it was a further demonstration of a committed effort to enhance police capability and capacity for modern and effective marine policing and maritime safety.
He remarked: “The commissioning of purpose-built equipment represents our commitment to maritime security and is a symbol of our renewed drive to proactively police the waters. The equipment, among other features, facilitates precision patrolling and is equipped with sophisticated communication devices. Furthermore, they are solar-powered, which reduces our carbon footprint in line with environmentally friendly policing practices.”
“Security is a collaborative effort, and maritime safety necessitates working with all stakeholders. The Nigerian Police will continue to collaborate with other sister agencies to ensure effectiveness,” he added.
“This historic commissioning ceremony of thirty-one state-of-the-art combat gunboats, recently procured by the Nigeria Police Force, is designed to enhance our operational capability across the nation’s waterways, backwaters, inland channels, and coastal regions. This significant milestone reflects our strategic response to the evolving security dynamics in our maritime environment. The deployment of these assets is a product of the Nigeria Police Force’s renewed drive to strengthen our maritime policing architecture, counter emerging threats, and reinforce our rescue and patrol operations,” he said.
He further detailed: “These gunboats are not ordinary vessels; they are fitted with cutting-edge navigation and communication technologies, enabling precision patrols, effective coordination, and swift responses to threats across Nigeria’s vast aquatic territory. Notably, the integration of solar-powered systems underscores the Force’s commitment to sustainable policing and aligns with global best practices in green energy utilisation. This initiative not only reduces our carbon footprint but also exemplifies the Nigeria Police Force’s leadership in environmentally responsible law enforcement.”
“The commissioning of these boats today marks a new chapter in our collective determination to safeguard Nigeria’s waterways, secure lives and property, disrupt criminal networks, and reassure law-abiding citizens of their safety and security.
In this regard, the Nigeria Police Force will continue to deepen our collaboration with our sister security agencies, particularly the Armed Forces, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), among others.”
“Furthermore, we recognise that intelligence-led policing and community engagement remain cornerstones of effective crime prevention,” he concluded.
Earlier, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Obasi Chukwuemeka, representing the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Maritime Command, conveyed a goodwill message, stating that the courageous marine officers would be further empowered to operate efficiently with the new equipment, enhancing the effectiveness of the Nigeria Police Force.
“Today’s event is a major boost to Nigeria’s maritime security operations, as the 31 newly acquired combat gunboats at the Lagos State Command underscore the force’s renewed commitment to protecting the country’s maritime domain from emerging threats,” he said.
Chukwuemeka characterised the commissioning as a significant milestone in enhancing the operational capabilities of the Marine Police.
He cited the recent donation of five armed gunboats to the Marine Police in Port Harcourt and Calabar as a testament to the IGP’s resolve to bolster maritime security across Nigeria’s coastal regions.
The DCP also highlighted that the approval for offshore duties not only enhances the visibility of the Marine Police but also reflects the growing trust in their capacity to protect the nation’s critical offshore assets.
“This recognition has significantly boosted morale within the Marine Command. We are proud to serve, and we are determined to continue making the IGP proud,” he added.
“To our courageous marine officers who will operate these vessels, I urge you to uphold the highest standards of discipline, professionalism, and patriotism. You are the frontline of our success,” he charged.
He concluded by reaffirming the force’s dedication to securing the maritime domain and expressed gratitude to all who contributed to the success of the commissioning.
“Together, we remain steadfast in combating maritime threats such as smuggling, piracy, illegal fishing, and trafficking,” he emphasised.
The event was attended by other senior police officers, including Deputy Inspectors-General, Assistant Inspectors-General, and Commissioners of Police, as well as marine command officers.
Other takeholders present included officials from the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), the office of the Chief of Staff to the Lagos State Governor, and various partners of the police.
