The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has commissioned three newly acquired operational gunboats in Lagos to strengthen maritime policing and combat criminal activities across the nation’s waterways.
The gunboats, procured in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF), were commissioned on Friday, November 13, 2026, for deployment to the Force Marine Police.
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 commended the NPTF and its Executive Secretary, Alhaji Mohammed Sheidu, for providing the operational assets.
He said the gunboats would strengthen the capacity of the Marine Police to tackle piracy, sea robbery, kidnapping and smuggling, particularly as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
The IGP’s representative also charged Marine Police officers to ensure the responsible and effective utilisation of the newly acquired equipment in carrying out their duties.
In his remarks, the NPTF Executive Secretary, Alhaji Mohammed Sheidu, reaffirmed the Trust Fund’s commitment to providing the police with the necessary operational equipment to improve security and policing nationwide.
Sheidu also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Police Affairs and the Inspector-General of Police for their continued support towards strengthening the Nigeria Police Force.
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.); Force Marine Officer, CP Adepegba Adetoye; and the Director of Training, NPTF, 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.
The police said the commissioning underscored the Force’s commitment to strengthening maritime security, protecting Nigeria’s waterways and creating a safe environment for legitimate economic activities.
The event was disclosed in a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, on November 13, 2026.
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