The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF), has commissioned three newly procured operational gunboats for the Force Marine Police to strengthen maritime security and combat criminal activities on the nation’s waterways.
The gunboats were commissioned on Friday, November 13, 2026, in Lagos, as part of efforts to enhance the operational capacity of the Marine Police to tackle 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 Nigeria Police Trust Fund and its Executive Secretary, Alhaji Mohammed Sheidu, for providing the operational assets.
He said the new gunboats would significantly strengthen the Marine Police’s capacity to respond to maritime security threats, particularly as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Moshood also reaffirmed the commitment of the police leadership to securing the nation’s waterways and creating a safe environment for legitimate economic activities.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the NPTF, Alhaji Mohammed Sheidu, reiterated the Trust Fund’s commitment to providing the Nigeria Police Force with the necessary operational equipment to improve policing and security across the country.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Police Affairs and the Inspector-General of Police for their continued support towards strengthening the operational capacity of the police.
The ceremony was attended by the immediate past Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Police Maritime Command, AIG Okunade Ronke Nurat (rtd.); the Force Marine Officer, CP Adepegba Adetoye; and the Director of Training, NPTF, CP Tony Osifo.
Also present were CSP H. A. Oduntan (rtd.), 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 newly commissioned gunboats in the discharge of their duties.
The Nigeria Police Force said the acquisition underscored its commitment to strengthening maritime policing through improved operational capacity and sustained collaboration with relevant stakeholders to safeguard the nation’s waterways.
