The gunboats were provided in partnership with the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, NPTF, and officially handed over on Friday, November 13, 2026, in Lagos. They will be deployed to the Force Marine Police.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, was represented at the commissioning ceremony by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, Lagos, Jimoh Moshood.
Speaking on behalf of the IGP, Moshood appreciated the NPTF and its Executive Secretary, Mohammed Sheidu, for providing the equipment to strengthen police operations.
He explained that the new boats would improve the Marine Police’s ability to tackle piracy, sea robbery, kidnapping and smuggling, particularly as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
In his remarks, Sheidu assured Nigerians that the Trust Fund would continue to support the police with essential equipment to improve security across the country.
He also acknowledged President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Police Affairs and the Inspector-General of Police for their support towards improving policing in Nigeria.
Other dignitaries present included the former Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Police Maritime Command, Okunade Ronke Nurat (retd.); the Force Marine Officer, CP Adepegba Adetoye; the NPTF Director of Training, CP Tony Osifo; and CSP H.A. Oduntan (retd.).
Representatives of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, the National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, and other maritime stakeholders also attended the event.
During the ceremony, Marine Police officers were urged to handle the new gunboats responsibly and use them effectively in carrying out their duties.
Moshood reiterated the police commitment to securing the nation’s waterways, protecting legitimate maritime activities and ensuring a safer environment for businesses and other users.
In a statement, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Aniete Iniedu, said the police would continue to protect the country’s waterways through effective operations and cooperation with relevant stakeholders.