The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, on Thursday, June 5, 2025, commissioned 31 state-of-the-art combat gun boats in Lagos State. The ceremony, which was attended by distinguished guests, marked a new chapter in the Nigeria Police Force’s efforts to strengthen its maritime policing architecture and counter emerging threats. It’s a significant step towards enhancing maritime security and rescue operations across the country’s waterways.
According to the IGP, the deployment of these assets is a symbol of the Force’s renewed drive to secure lives and property, disrupt criminal networks, and reassure law-abiding citizens of their safety and security.
“The commissioning of these boats today marks a new chapter in our collective determination to safeguard Nigeria’s waterways, secure lives and property, disrupt criminal networks, and reassure law-abiding citizens of their safety and security,” the IGP stated.
Highlighting the cutting-edge features of the gun boats, Egbetokun noted that they are fitted with advanced navigation and communication technologies, enabling precision patrol, effective coordination, and swift response to threats across Nigeria’s vast aquatic territory. Notably, the boats are integrated with solar-powered systems, underscoring the Force’s commitment to sustainable policing and environmentally responsible law enforcement.
“The integration of solar-powered systems not only reduces our carbon footprint but also demonstrates the Nigeria Police Force’s leadership in environmentally responsible law enforcement,” the IGP emphasized.
Strengthening Maritime Security Through Collaboration, Intelligence, and National Commitment
He reiterated that securing Nigeria is a collaborative effort, stressing the need for synergy and coordination across agencies and stakeholders. Egbetokun assured that the Nigeria Police Force will continue to deepen its collaboration with sister security agencies, including the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), amongst others.
The IGP also emphasized the importance of intelligence-led policing and community engagement, stating that the Force will partner closely with coastal communities, leverage local intelligence, and build mutual trust to deny criminals operating space.
Expressing gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his unwavering support and strategic investment in the Nigeria Police, Egbetokun noted that the newly commissioned gun boats are a testament to the administration’s commitment to empowering the Force to fulfill its constitutional mandate.
“Under Mr. President’s visionary leadership, the Nigeria Police is experiencing a transformation marked by reform, modernization, and professional excellence,” the IGP said.
In his closing remarks, Egbetokun assured Nigerians of the Force’s unrelenting dedication to its constitutional responsibilities, pledging to protect citizens, defend the nation’s territorial integrity, and ensure Nigeria remains safe for all.
The ceremony concluded with a call to action, as the IGP urged Nigerians join hands with the Police in building a more secure, stable, and prosperous nation. “Together, we shall forge ahead to build a more secure, stable, and prosperous Nigeria,” he said, invoking a divine blessing on the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
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