The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Marine Department and the Government of Denmark have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation on maritime security through enhanced capacity building, intelligence sharing, and the deployment of modern technology to combat emerging threats in Nigeria’s waters and the Gulf of Guinea.
This was disclosed by the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Force Marine Department, Force Headquarters, Abuja, CP Adepegba Kolawole Adetoye, during a meeting with a high-level delegation from the Embassy of Denmark at the Force Headquarters Annex, Lagos, on Friday.
The Danish delegation was led by Mr. Alex Shoebridge, Consultant, Tana Copenhagen ApS for the Denmark Maritime Security Programme (DMSP), alongside Mrs. Oluwatumininu Onamade, Sustainability Lead and Senior Adviser at the Maritime Trade Council of Denmark.
In a statement personally signed and made available to journalists, CP Adepegba said the meeting followed a formal communication from the Danish Embassy to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, as part of ongoing consultations on the implementation of the Denmark Maritime Security Programme, which is expected to conclude in 2026.
He conveyed the appreciation of the Inspector-General of Police to the Government of Denmark for its sustained support in strengthening maritime security, institutional capacity, and regional cooperation across the Gulf of Guinea.
According to him, the partnership has significantly improved the operational capabilities and professionalism of the Nigeria Police Force Marine Department through specialised training, operational support, and knowledge exchange.
CP Adepegba noted that although piracy has declined in the Gulf of Guinea, several emerging threats continue to pose serious security challenges. These include crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, human trafficking, arms and narcotics smuggling, illegal fishing, environmental crimes, and cyber threats targeting maritime infrastructure.
He stressed that addressing these challenges requires stronger international cooperation, advanced technology, and sustained investment in human capacity development.
During the meeting, Mr. Shoebridge reaffirmed Denmark’s commitment to working closely with the Nigeria Police Force Marine Department in developing the next phase of the Denmark Maritime Security Programme. He said future interventions would be tailored to the operational priorities of the Marine Department while sustaining capacity-building initiatives, joint exercises, and improved information-sharing mechanisms.
Both parties reviewed the achievements recorded under the current DMSP and identified priority areas for future collaboration. These include advanced maritime training, intelligence-led policing, maritime investigations, forensic science, cybersecurity, search and rescue operations, underwater investigations, drone operations, tactical medical care, onboard fire safety, modern marine engineering, maritime domain awareness, and the deployment of emerging technologies such as drones, satellite surveillance, secure communication systems, and artificial intelligence to enhance operational effectiveness.
The meeting also emphasised the need for stronger collaboration among key maritime stakeholders, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigeria Customs Service, the judiciary, and other relevant agencies to improve intelligence sharing, maritime law enforcement, and prosecution of maritime crimes.
Discussions further focused on strengthening institutional frameworks for curriculum development, evidence management, crime scene investigation, legal procedures relating to maritime offences, and sustained collaboration with international partners, including Interpol, to improve investigative and prosecutorial outcomes.
CP Adepegba reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force Marine Department to the strategic vision of the Inspector-General of Police in building a modern, intelligence-driven, and professionally equipped Marine Police capable of safeguarding Nigeria’s inland and territorial waters while contributing to regional maritime security.
He expressed confidence that the enduring partnership between Nigeria and Denmark would continue to strengthen maritime governance, institutional resilience, and collective security across the Gulf of Guinea.
