The Nigerian Police Force on Thursday significantly boosted its maritime security capabilities with the commissioning of 31 new state-of-the-art combat gunboats, earmarked for anti-crime and rescue operations across the nation’s waterways.
The historic ceremony was presided over by the Special Guest of Honour, Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, at the Marine Command Headquarters in Lagos.
The IGP highlighted that this significant milestone reflects the Force’s strategic response to the evolving security dynamics in Nigeria’s maritime environment.
He underscored that the deployment of these assets symbolises a renewed drive to strengthen maritime policing architecture, counter emerging threats, and reinforce rescue and patrol operations.
“It is with great pride and a deep sense of duty that I welcome you all to this historic commissioning ceremony of thirty-one (31) state-of-the-art combat gunboats recently procured by the Nigeria Police Force to enhance our operational capability across the nation’s waterways, backwaters, inland channels and coastal regions,” IGP Egbetokun stated.
He further elaborated on the advanced features of the new fleet.
“These gunboats are not ordinary vessels. They are fitted with cutting-edge navigation and communication technologies, which will enable precision patrol, effective coordination, and swift response to threats across Nigeria’s vast aquatic territory,” he said.
A key highlight noted by the IGP was the integration of solar-powered systems into the vessels.
He explained that this innovation “underscores the Force’s commitment to sustainable policing and alignment with global best practices in green energy utilization. This initiative not only reduces our carbon footprint but also demonstrates the Nigeria Police Force’s leadership in environmentally responsible law enforcement.”
According to Egbetokun, the commissioning of these boats marks a new chapter in the collective determination to safeguard Nigeria’s waterways, secure lives and property, disrupt criminal networks, and reassure law-abiding citizens of their safety and security.