Nigerian Navy, Police strengthen collaboration to combat maritime crimes

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By Kingsley Omonobi

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ABUJA — The Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Police Force have pledged closer collaboration to intensify joint operations against maritime crimes and enhance security across the nation’s waterways.

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Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abass, disclosed the development on Wednesday when he received Inspector General of Police (IGP) Rilwan Disu at Naval Headquarters, Abuja.

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Vice Admiral Abass emphasized the need for intelligence-driven operations and synergy in investigations, noting that no single agency can tackle maritime security challenges alone. “Our nation is at war, and every hand must be on deck. One agency cannot handle the challenges alone, so we must work together,” he said.

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The CNS assured the IGP that the Navy would provide training for personnel of the Police Maritime Unit to enhance their operational effectiveness. He also welcomed police input in operationalizing the Navy’s new Maritime Investigations Department to ensure seamless collaboration with international agencies such as INTERPOL.

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In his remarks, IGP Disu commended the Navy for its cooperation with the Police in past joint operations, highlighting the complexities of securing Nigeria’s extensive waterways and rivers. “The battleground is vast, and criminality on these waterways requires synergy with the Nigerian Navy,” he said.

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The IGP also noted that joint investigations are critical in cases where personnel from either agency are implicated in maritime criminal activities. He added that the Police are revamping their intelligence deployments and reforming the Mobile Police Unit to boost effectiveness and professionalism.

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Both leaders agreed that sustained partnership between the Nigerian Navy and Police would be key to curbing maritime crimes, safeguarding trade routes, and promoting national security.

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