By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Nigeria Police Force Maritime Command and the Western Naval Command have strengthened their alliance to improve maritime safety and security across Nigeria’s waterways.
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According to a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Maritime Police Command, ASP Adebayo Rasheed Adesayo, the renewed partnership followed a strategic courtesy visit by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Maritime Police Command, AIG Okunade Ronke Nurat, to the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral A. A. Mustapha, in Lagos.
The statement noted that the meeting provided an opportunity for both Commands to reinforce their shared resolve to safeguard Nigeria’s coastal and inland waterways through improved coordination, intelligence sharing, and joint operational strategies.
During the engagement, AIG Okunade emphasized that maritime security is a collective responsibility, stressing the importance of sustained synergy between the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Navy.
She noted that while the Navy plays a leading role in securing the nation’s territorial waters, the Maritime Police Command complements these efforts by maintaining law and order within inland waterways and coastal communities.
In his remarks, Rear Admiral Mustapha commended the AIG for her proactive initiative and reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the Police to effectively address maritime security challenges.
The statement added that key areas of cooperation discussed included the intensification of joint patrols across Lagos waterways and adjoining creeks, the development of a unified response framework for maritime emergencies, and enhanced capacity building through joint exercises.
Both Commands also pledged to deepen collaboration in the interest of national security and the protection of lives and property within Nigeria’s maritime domain.
