In a decisive move to enhance maritime security, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) on Wednesday commissioned 31 new operational gunboats at the Force’s Maritime Command Base in Ikoyi, Lagos.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, who led the commissioning ceremony, described the new gunboats as a critical step in boosting the Force’s capacity to tackle criminal activities along Nigeria’s waterways, creeks, and coastal regions.
Equipped with advanced navigation systems, real-time communication tools, and solar-powered technology, the boats are expected to support precision patrols, rapid response operations, and environmentally conscious policing.
“These boats are more than just equipment; they are a clear signal of our determination to protect lives, secure maritime routes, and disrupt criminal operations across aquatic territories,” Egbetokun stated.
He noted that the deployment aligns with the Police Force’s renewed focus on modern, technology-driven, and sustainable law enforcement. The integration of solar-powered systems, he added, reflects global trends in green policing.
The IGP emphasized the need for inter-agency collaboration in securing Nigeria’s maritime domain, calling for continued cooperation between the Police, Nigerian Armed Forces, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and other stakeholders.
He also pledged stronger partnerships with coastal communities, stressing the importance of intelligence gathering, trust-building, and community engagement in addressing maritime crimes.
Egbetokun used the occasion to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support toward police modernization, describing the commissioning as evidence of the administration’s commitment to national security.
“Under the leadership of President Tinubu, the Nigeria Police is undergoing significant reforms geared toward professional excellence and effective service delivery,” he said.
Among the dignitaries present at the event were DIG B. Wazhi, in charge of Operations; AIG Adegoke Fayoade, Zone 2; AIG Tunji Disu of the Special Protection Unit; and AIG Funsho Adegboye of the Mobile Police Force.
Other senior officers, representatives of security agencies, and members of the public also witnessed the ceremony, which ended with a tactical demonstration by the Marine Police showcasing the newly commissioned gunboats in action.