The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF), has commissioned three newly acquired operational gunboats to strengthen maritime security and combat criminal activities across the nation’s waterways.
In a statement, Force Public Relations Officer Force Headquarters, Abuja CSP Ani Iniedu said the gunboats were commissioned on Friday, November 13, 2026, in Lagos for deployment to the Force Marine Police as part of efforts to enhance operational capacity against piracy, sea robbery, kidnapping and smuggling.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, was represented at the ceremony by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2 Headquarters, Lagos, AIG Jimoh Moshood.
Speaking on behalf of the IGP, Moshood expressed appreciation to the NPTF and its Executive Secretary, Alhaji Mohammed Sheidu, for supporting the acquisition of the operational assets.
He said the gunboats would significantly improve the Marine Police’s ability to respond to maritime threats, secure inland waterways and protect economic activities, particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In his remarks, the NPTF Executive Secretary, Sheidu, reaffirmed the Trust Fund’s commitment to providing the Nigeria Police Force with essential operational equipment to improve policing nationwide.
He also commended President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Police Affairs and the Inspector-General of Police for their continued support towards strengthening the country’s security architecture.
Other dignitaries at the commissioning included the immediate past Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Police Maritime Command, AIG Okunade Ronke Nurat (retd.); the Force Marine Officer, CP Adepegba Adetoye; and the NPTF Director of Training, CP Tony Osifo.
Also present were CSP H. A. Oduntan (retd.), representatives of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and other maritime stakeholders.
Marine Police officers were charged to ensure the responsible and effective deployment of the gunboats in carrying out their operational duties.
Moshood, on behalf of the IGP, reiterated the Force’s commitment to strengthening maritime policing, securing Nigeria’s waterways and creating a safe environment for legitimate commercial and economic activities.
The police said the acquisition reflected its determination to deepen collaboration with relevant stakeholders and improve operational capacity in safeguarding the nation’s maritime domain.
