By Niran Odufayo
To counter rising maritime threats and safeguard Nigeria’s waterways, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has Inaugurated 31 modern combat gunboats at the Marine Police Command in Lagos.
Describing the commissioning as a strategic milestone, the IGP said the deployment of these advanced vessels reflects the Nigeria Police Force’s renewed commitment to maritime security and operational excellence.
“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 notable innovation is the integration of solar-powered systems, which, according to the IGP, reflects the Force’s drive toward sustainability and global standards in 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 stressed that the boats will play a critical role in deterring criminal activity along coastal and inland waterways, bolstering rescue efforts, and reassuring citizens of the police’s readiness to protect lives and property.
He called for stronger inter-agency collaboration to ensure the success of maritime security efforts. “Security on Nigeria’s waterways is a shared responsibility. We will continue to work closely with the Armed Forces, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and 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 foster trust, enhance intelligence gathering, and deny criminal groups the space to operate.
The IGP expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his “unwavering support and strategic 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.
Reassuring the public of the Force’s dedication, Egbetokun vowed 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 top police and government officials, maritime security stakeholders, and representatives of coastal communities.