The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, on Thursday, June 5, 2025, commissioned 31 newly acquired operational gunboats for the Nigeria Police Force Marine Unit during a formal ceremony held in Lagos.
According to an official statement, this deployment represents a major investment in Nigeria’s maritime security architecture. It is aimed at bolstering the Force’s capacity to combat criminal activities at sea, protect vital waterways, and safeguard citizens and critical infrastructure within the nation’s maritime domain.
Speaking at the commissioning, the IGP described the initiative as a strategic response to the evolving security challenges in Nigeria’s coastal and inland waters. He emphasized that the deployment of the new gunboats demonstrates the Force’s renewed commitment to strengthening maritime policing, tackling emerging threats, and enhancing rescue and patrol operations.
Equipped with state-of-the-art navigation and communication systems, the new gunboats follow the IGP’s recent assurance on improved maritime security, made during the visit of the CEO of the Nigerian Shippers Council to the Force Headquarters earlier in the week.
The IGP reiterated the Nigeria Police Force’s dedication to working collaboratively with other security agencies and stakeholders to ensure secure and efficient maritime operations. He charged officers of the Marine Unit to effectively utilize the newly commissioned assets to combat economic sabotage and keep Nigeria’s waterways safe for trade and transportation.
The IGP was joined at the event by senior police officials, including DIG Yakubu Kwazi (Operations), AIG Adegoke Fayoade (Zone 2), AIG Funsho Adegboye (PMF), AIG Tunji Rilwan Disu (SPU), and the Force Marine Officer, ACP Chima Ogarashi.
Also in attendance were key government officials from various maritime agencies, representatives from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and Mr. Babalola Tunde, representing Chief Oguntade Majekodunmi, CEO of Sensor and Safety Ltd.
