CITIZENS COMPASS– The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, on Thursday, commissioned 31 state-of-the-art combat gun boats to ensure security on Nigeria waterways.
The gun boats acquired by the Nigeria Police Force are for anti-crime and rescue-operations particularly on Lagos waterways.
Commissioning the gunboats, the IGP said they would enable precision patrol, effective coordination, and swift response to threats across Nigeria’s vast aquatic territory.
The historic ceremony was held at the Marine Command Headquarters in Lagos.
In his address, Egbetokun said, “It is with great pride and a deep sense of duty that I welcome you all to this historic commissioning ceremony of 31 state-of-the-art combat gun boats recently procured by the Nigeria Police Force to enhance our operational capabilityacross the nation’s waterways,backwaters, inland channels and coastal regions.
“This significant milestone reflects our strategic response to the evolving security dynamics in our maritime environment. The deployment of these assets is a symbol of our renewed drive to strengthen our maritime policing architecture, counter emerging threats, and reinforce our rescue and patrol operations.
“These gun boats are not ordinary vessels. They are fitted with cutting-edge navigation and communication technologies, which will enable precision patrol, effective coordination, and swift response to threats across Nigeria’s vast aquatic territory. Of particular note is the integration of solar-powered systems, which underscores the Force’s commitment to sustainable policing and alignment with global best practices in green energy utilization. This initiative not only reduces our carbon footprint but also demonstrates the NigeriaPoliceForce’s leadership in environmentally responsible law enforcement.
“The commissioning of these boats today marks a new chapter in our collective determination to safeguard Nigeria’s waterways, secure lives and property, disrupt criminal networks, and reassure law-abiding citizens of their safety and security.
“Let me use this opportunity to reiterate that securing Nigeria is a collaborative effort. Maritime security, in particular, demands synergy and coordination across agencies and stakeholders. In this regard, the Nigeria Police Force will continue to deepen our collaboration with our sister security agencies, particularly the Armed Forces,the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), amongst others.
“Furthermore, we recognize that intelligence-led policing and community engagement remain cornerstones of effective crime prevention.Therefore, we shall continue to partner closely with coastal communities, leverage local intelligence,and build mutual trust in order to deny criminals the operating space they seek.
“May I seize this moment to express my profound gratitude to His Excellency, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for his unwavering support and strategic investment in the Nigeria Police. Under Mr. President’s visionary leadership, the Nigeria Police is experiencing a transformation marked by reform, modernization,and professional excellence.These newly commissioned gun boats are a testament to his administration’s commitment to empowering the Force to fulfill its constitutional mandate of securing the nation and protecting its citizens.
“To the Nigerian people, I assure you of the unflinching dedication of the Nigeria Police Force to our constitutional responsibilities. We will continue to strive, with courage and integrity,to protect you, to defend the territorial integrity of our nation, and to ensure that Nigeria remains safe for all.
“Distinguished guests, your presence here today is a source of encouragement to us, and we thank you for honouring our invitation. Together,we shall forge ahead to build a more secure, stable,and prosperous Nigeria.”
