Police Reaffirm Commitment to Safety on Nigeria’s Waterways.
Police Reaffirm Commitment to Safety on Nigeria’s Waterways.
Lucky Akra
The Nigeria Police Force has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening safety and security across Nigeria’s waterways, highlighting the need for improved collaboration, deployment of technology, and public adherence to safety regulations.
Speaking at the Annual Conference of the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON), Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Udu Moses Ogechi, representing the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Maritime Police Command, described Nigeria’s waterways as vital national assets that support commerce, transportation, and livelihoods.
He noted that rivers, creeks, lagoons, and coastal corridors play a critical role in the nation’s economy but continue to face growing security threats and safety challenges.
According to Ogechi, the Maritime Police Command has intensified collaboration with agencies such as the Nigerian Navy and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to combat crimes including kidnapping, piracy, armed robbery, and illegal trafficking.
He said the partnership with the Nigerian Navy has enhanced intelligence-driven operations and improved the training capacity of Marine Police personnel through specialized programmes.
The police also highlighted recent federal government investments aimed at improving maritime security. Among them is the deployment of 31 gunboats equipped with modern navigation and communication systems to strengthen patrol and rapid response operations.
Ogechi further identified the activation of the Lagos CCTV Surveillance Centre in January 2026 as a significant milestone in security operations. According to him, the facility enables real-time monitoring of critical infrastructure, including waterways around the Third Mainland Bridge, improving crime detection and prevention efforts.
On safety regulations, the police commended NIWA for implementing stricter measures, including the deployment of water marshals at jetties and the enforcement of the Inland Waterways Transportation Code.
The regulations mandate the use of life jackets, licensing of operators, and restriction of activities to approved loading points.
Despite ongoing efforts, Ogechi acknowledged that challenges such as kidnapping, boat accidents caused by negligence, and the activities of illegal operators remain prevalent.
“Safety on our waterways is a shared responsibility. Passengers and operators must comply with safety protocols, especially the use of life jackets and patronage of authorized jetties,” he said.
He reaffirmed that the Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of the Inspector General of Police, would continue to prioritize maritime security as part of broader efforts to ensure national safety and economic development.
While commending the progress made so far, Ogechi urged stakeholders to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding Nigeria’s waterways.
