Police Get Three Gunboats to Tackle Waterway Crimes Ahead of 2027 Elections

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IGP Disu says vessels will combat piracy, kidnapping, smuggling; Police Trust Fund urges effective deployment


The Nigerian Police Force has received three gunboats from the Nigerian Police Trust Fund (NPTF) to strengthen maritime security and tackle criminal activities on the nation's waterways ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The gunboats were commissioned and handed over to the Marine Police in Lagos, with the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, represented by AIG Moshood Jimoh.

Speaking at the ceremony, Jimoh described the donation as a timely intervention that would boost the operational capacity of the Marine Police to combat piracy, sea robbery, kidnapping, smuggling and other crimes threatening riverine communities.

"These gunboats will immediately be put to good use. They will strengthen our capacity to combat crime on our waterways, including piracy, sea robbery, kidnapping, smuggling and other forms of criminality," he said.

He thanked the Executive Secretary of the NPTF, Alhaji Muhammed Sheidu, for the support, adding that the vessels would improve security for communities, commuters and stakeholders operating within the maritime corridor.

Jimoh, who disclosed that he underwent maritime rescue and salvage training at the China Marine Police Academy in 2015, praised the Marine Police for its contributions to port operations, crime prevention and emergency response.

He also highlighted the unit's role in securing riverine communities during the Lagos local government elections in July 2025, recalling how officers provided security and assisted voters travelling from the mainland to their polling areas.

He expressed confidence that the additional gunboats would strengthen security operations in difficult terrains during the 2027 elections.

"With this additional provision of these three gunboats, providing security for riverine areas and difficult terrain during the 2027 election is going to be a walk-through for us," he said.

The AIG assured the Trust Fund that the vessels would be properly maintained and judiciously utilised, while appealing for more gunboats to expand the Marine Police's operational capacity.

Earlier, Sheidu said the vessels were procured to address critical operational needs, improve patrol operations and enhance the police's response to maritime security threats.

"These gunboats will provide additional operational capacity to support police deployments where waterways access is essential," he said.

He stressed that their effectiveness would be measured by improved crime prevention, faster response to incidents and better protection of lives and property.

"Our expectation is clear: these assets must translate into stronger patrols, faster response to incidents and tangible improvements in the protection of our waterways, particularly as we approach the general elections," he added.

The Force Marine Officer, Commissioner of Police Adepegba Adetoye, described the handover as a significant boost to maritime security, noting that Lagos and other parts of the country depend heavily on waterways for transportation, trade and other economic activities.

He urged officers assigned to operate the vessels to deploy them responsibly and ensure proper maintenance.

"The true value of this investment will ultimately be measured by the safety and confidence it brings to the people we serve," Adetoye said.

The police leadership and the Trust Fund reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening maritime security through improved equipment, effective deployment and sustained collaboration.

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