The Maritime Police Command and the Nigerian Navy have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening inter-agency collaboration to enhance security across Nigeria’s waterways and sustain the country’s gains against maritime crime.
This commitment was made when the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral A.A. Mustapha, paid a courtesy visit to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Maritime Police Command, AIG Okunade Ronke Nurat, at the Command Headquarters in Lagos.
During the visit, Rear Admiral Mustapha pledged the Nigerian Navy’s continued support for joint efforts to combat criminal activities within the nation’s maritime domain through intelligence sharing, coordinated operations and resource collaboration.
He noted that the sustained cooperation among maritime security agencies has played a key role in improving security at sea, including Nigeria’s removal from the global piracy list, stressing that stronger collaboration would further protect the country’s territorial waters and maritime assets.
Responding, AIG Okunade described the longstanding partnership between the Maritime Police Command and the Western Naval Command as critical to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime environment and protecting economic activities dependent on the nation’s waterways.
She also conveyed the appreciation of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to the Nigerian Navy for training officers and men of the Marine Police Unit during a maritime capacity-building programme held earlier this year in Lagos.
According to her, the training enhanced the operational capabilities of Marine Police personnel and further strengthened inter-agency cooperation in maritime security operations.
The AIG reaffirmed the Maritime Police Command’s commitment to sustained collaboration with the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies to promote a safer, crime-free maritime environment that supports national security, public safety and economic growth.
The visit concluded with a tour of the Lagos State Marine Office, exchange of souvenirs and a group photograph session.