The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has inaugurated 31 newly acquired operational gun boats for the Force Marine Unit at a ceremony held in Lagos, marking a significant investment in maritime security.

Egbetokun said it is 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.

In his remarks, the IGP buttressed that the milestone reflects a strategic response of the Force to the evolving security dynamics in our maritime environment.

He said the deployment of the assets is a symbol of our renewed drive to strengthen our maritime policing architecture, counter emerging threats, reinforce our rescue and patrol operations.

Egbetokun said the newly inaugurated gun boats which are equipped with cutting-edge navigation and communication technologies, comes as follow up to his 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 .

Expressing profound appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support, Egbetokun described the commissioning of the gunboats as a direct result of the President’s strategic investments in national security and police modernization.

“Under Mr. President’s visionary leadership, the Nigeria Police Force is undergoing transformative reforms aimed at professional excellence,” he said. “These boats are a clear testament to that commitment.”

He assured Nigerians of the Force’s unwavering dedication to its constitutional responsibilities, pledging continued service with courage, integrity, and professionalism.

“Together, we shall build a more secure, stable, and prosperous Nigeria,” the IGP concluded.

The IGP was accompanied by senior police officers including the DIG in charge of Operations, DIG Yakubu Kwazi, the AIG Zone 2, Adegoke Fayoade, the AIG PMF, Funsho Adegboye, the AIG SPU, Tunji 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 Babalola Tunde and representatives from the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

In his goodwill message, Chief of Staff to the Lagos State Governor, Tayo Ayinde, applauded the initiative, describing it as capable of addressing acts of criminality in the backwaters.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Maritime Command, DC Obasi Chuckwuemeka, expressed gratitude to IGP Egbetokun for his support and transformative leadership.

Chuckwuemeka noted that under the IGP’s stewardship, the Marine Police had witnessed a renewed sense of purpose and capacity, enabling it to effectively discharge its duties.

He highlighted the recent donation of six brand new gunboats to the Marine Police in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and the approval of offshore duties aimed at enhancing the visibility and relevance of the Marine Police, as proof of the IGP’s commitment to strengthening the Marine Police’s presence on the waterways.

He reminded marine officers who would be entrusted with the vessels, that “You are the frontline of our operational success. I urge you to uphold the highest standards of discipline, patriotism, and professionalism as you take on this critical responsibility.”