The Inspector General of the Nigeria Police Force, Kayode Egbetokun, on Thursday, in Lagos, expressed the determination and readiness of the force to stay ahead of emerging threats.
The police boss stated this during the inauguration of 31 state-of-the-art combat gunboats.
Egbetokun also called for synergy among security agencies and stakeholders in Nigeria. The police boss, in his remarks at the event, noted that, “This significant milestone reflects our strategic response to the evolving security dynamics in our maritime environment.”
He added that, “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 gunboats 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.
“The commissioning of these boats today marks a new chapter in our collective determination to safeguard Nigeria’s waterways, secure lives and properties, disrupt criminal networks and reassure law-abiding citizens of their safety and security.”
Egbetokun stressed 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, and the Nigeria Ports Authority, among others.”
IGP Egbetokun also said: “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 gunboats 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.”
On Thursday, June 5, 2025, 6:09:25 PM GMT+1, Ms Philo ojeogwu <[email protected]> wrote: