The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Maritime Police Command, AIG Okunade Ronke Nurat, fsi, mspsp, on Tuesday, 28th July, 2026, received the Acting President of the Association of Registered Freight Forwarders, Nigeria (AREFFN), Chief (Fwdr) Obiekezie Francis Uchenna, and his delegation on a maiden courtesy visit at the Command Headquarters, Force Headquarters Annex, Obalende, Lagos.
According to a press statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Maritime Police Command, Force Headquarters Annex, Obalende, Lagos, ASP Adebayo Rasheed Adesayo, the President, Chief (Fwdr) Obiekezie Francis Uchenna, expressed appreciation to the AIG Maritime for the warm reception and hospitality accorded to his delegation.
He stated that the maiden courtesy visit was to formally acquaint the new leadership of the Association with the AIG Maritime, formally notifying the Command of the recent change in the Association’s leadership, and further strengthen the existing cordial relationship between both organisations.
Chief Uchenna further emphasized the Association’s commitment to working closely with the Maritime Police Command in promoting a secure and efficient port environment. He noted that AREFFN remains committed to protecting the legitimate interests of its members, particularly in ensuring the seamless clearance of consignments at the nation’s seaports, while pledging the Association’s support for initiatives that enhance maritime security and facilitate lawful trade.
In her remarks, AIG Okunade Ronke Nurat, fsi, mspsp, warmly welcomed the Acting President and members of his delegation and congratulated Chief Uchenna on his appointment. She assured the delegation of the Maritime Police Command’s commitment to maintaining a relationship founded on mutual respect, cooperation and continuous engagement with stakeholders in the maritime sector.
The AIG Maritime noted that since assuming office, deliberate efforts have been made to improve the quality of service delivery across the Maritime Police Command in line with the vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, oac(+), NPM, emphasizing that the Nigeria Police Force exists to serve the public and safeguard national interests with professionalism, fairness and integrity.
AIG Okunade Ronke Nurat, fsi, mspsp, further explained that there are occasions when the Police are duty-bound to investigate matters based on credible intelligence in the interest of public safety and national security. She therefore urged members of the Association to continue supporting law enforcement efforts by providing timely and credible information whenever necessary, while admonishing them not to harbour or shield individuals involved in criminal activities within the maritime sector, but rather to expose such elements and their activities to security agencies. She stressed that the collective efforts of all stakeholders remain indispensable in ensuring a safe, secure and business-friendly maritime environment.
The Maritime Police Command reiterates its commitment to strengthening partnerships with stakeholders in the maritime industry through sustained collaboration, intelligence sharing and effective policing in support of maritime safety, national security and economic prosperity.