The Nigeria Police Force has taken a significant step to bolster security on the country's waterways by commissioning three new operational gunboats. This development is a collaborative effort with the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, NPTF, which provided the gunboats. The official handover ceremony took place on Friday, November 13, 2026, in Lagos. These gunboats are set to be deployed to the Force Marine Police to enhance their operational capabilities.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by several high-ranking officials, including the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, Lagos, Jimoh Moshood, who represented the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu. Moshood expressed his gratitude to the NPTF and its Executive Secretary, Mohammed Sheidu, for their support in providing the necessary equipment to strengthen police operations. The addition of these gunboats is expected to significantly improve the Marine Police's ability to tackle various maritime crimes.
The new gunboats are expected to play a crucial role in addressing piracy, sea robbery, kidnapping, and smuggling on Nigeria's waterways. This is particularly important as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections. The police have reiterated their commitment to securing the nation's waterways and protecting legitimate maritime activities. This will ensure a safer environment for businesses and other users of the waterways.
Mohammed Sheidu, the Executive Secretary of the NPTF, assured Nigerians that the Trust Fund would continue to support the police with essential equipment to improve security across the country. He also acknowledged the support of President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Police Affairs, and the Inspector-General of Police in improving policing in Nigeria. The NPTF's efforts are seen as a significant boost to the police's capabilities.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including former Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Police Maritime Command, Okunade Ronke Nurat, and the Force Marine Officer, CP Adepegba Adetoye. Representatives of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, the National Inland Waterways Authority, and other maritime stakeholders were also present. This show of support from various stakeholders highlights the importance of collaboration in enhancing waterway security.
During the ceremony, Marine Police officers were urged to handle the new gunboats responsibly and use them effectively in carrying out their duties. The police have emphasized their commitment to protecting the country's waterways through effective operations and cooperation with relevant stakeholders. This move is expected to have a positive impact on maritime security and the overall safety of the waterways.
The Nigeria Police Force's efforts to enhance waterway security are ongoing, with the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Aniete Iniedu, stating that the police would continue to protect the country's waterways. The police are working to ensure a safer environment for businesses and other users of the waterways. The commissioning of these gunboats is a significant step towards achieving this goal.
Key points
- The Nigeria Police Force has commissioned three gunboats to improve security on the country's waterways and tackle maritime crimes.
- The gunboats were provided in partnership with the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, NPTF.
- The new boats will improve the Marine Police's ability to tackle piracy, sea robbery, kidnapping and smuggling.
