On Wednesday, July 31, 2024, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Maritime Police Command, Force Headquarters Annex, Lagos, AIG Olofu Adetutu Rhoda, issued a stern directive to the strategic leaders and field officers of the command. The directive was given during a meeting at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters Annex in Lagos.

AIG Rhoda charged officers from the Ports Authority Police, Western Command, Apapa, Eastern Command, Port Harcourt, The National Inland Waterways Police, Lokoja, and Marine Police personnel to ensure watertight security to prevent acts of vandalism on the nation’s critical infrastructures within the maritime domain. This call to action comes amid concerns that hoodlums might hijack the peaceful protests to unleash mayhem.

The AIG emphasized the need for adequate manpower to ensure the safety of all coastal communities, ports, harbors, inland, and navigable waterways. “Officers must ensure that their conduct before, during, and after the nationwide protest is professional and in line with the rules of engagement,” she stated.

The meeting underscored the importance of maintaining public safety and the integrity of Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure. The Assistant Inspector-General’s directive aims to preempt any attempts by criminal elements to exploit the protests for destructive purposes.

ASP Ehinmode, Rowland Adewumi, Acting Police Public Relations Officer for AIG Maritime, reiterated the AIG’s warning in an official statement, highlighting the crucial role of law enforcement in safeguarding national assets and ensuring the peaceful conduct of protests.