The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has commissioned 31 modern combat gunboats for the Marine Police Command in Lagos, aimed at combating rising maritime threats and securing Nigeria’s waterways.
The IGP described the commissioning as a significant step forward, stating that the deployment of these advanced vessels demonstrates the Nigeria Police Force’s renewed commitment to maritime security and operational effectiveness.
“These 31 gunboats are far more than just additions to our fleet — they are purpose-built assets, equipped with advanced navigation and communication technologies that will support precision patrols, rapid response, and coordinated security operations across Nigeria’s vast aquatic landscape,” Egbetokun said.
A key feature of the new gunboats is the integration of solar-powered systems, reflecting the Force’s commitment to sustainability and green policing. “This initiative enhances energy efficiency, lowers our carbon footprint, and positions the Nigeria Police as a leader in environmentally responsible law enforcement,” he stated.
Egbetokun emphasized that the gunboats will be crucial in deterring criminal activity along coastal and inland waterways, enhancing rescue operations, and assuring citizens of the police’s readiness to protect lives and property.
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He also called for stronger collaboration between agencies to ensure the success of maritime security efforts, including the Armed Forces, NIMASA, and NPA. “Security on Nigeria’s waterways is a shared responsibility. We will continue to work closely with…other stakeholders to deliver a coordinated and intelligence-driven approach,” the IGP affirmed.
Highlighting the importance of local partnerships, Egbetokun reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to engaging with coastal communities to build trust, improve intelligence gathering, and prevent criminal groups from operating.
The IGP expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and investments in police modernization. “These assets are a product of the President’s vision for a safer, more secure Nigeria. Under his leadership, the Nigeria Police Force is undergoing significant reform and capacity expansion,” he noted.
Egbetokun reassured the public of the Force’s dedication, vowing that the police would continue to operate with integrity and resolve. “We remain fully committed to our constitutional duty to protect all Nigerians and defend the nation’s territorial integrity,” he said.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by high-ranking police and government officials, maritime security stakeholders, and representatives from coastal communities.
