“COASTAL COMMAND: 31 GUNBOATS, ZERO TOLERANCE”
By: IDNN Law & National Security Desk
WARRI, DELTA STATE — The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has commissioned 31 newly acquired gunboats to enhance maritime patrol and security operations along Nigeria’s inland waterways and coastal zones, in what officials describe as a major tactical upgrade for the Force.
The boats, launched from the Marine Command Headquarters in Warri, will be deployed across six maritime zones, including the Niger Delta, Lagos lagoon axis, and Eastern seaboard, to combat:
-
Sea piracy
-
Illegal oil bunkering
-
Kidnappings on waterways
-
Arms trafficking and smuggling
“This marks a new era in Nigeria’s law enforcement presence on water,” said Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, at the launch event.
DEPLOYMENT STRATEGY:
-
Delta State: 8 gunboats
-
Bayelsa & Rivers: 10 boats combined
-
Lagos & Badagry axis: 7 boats
-
Cross River/Calabar area: 3 boats
-
Inland waterways (Kogi, Anambra): 3 boats
IGP Egbetokun said the initiative reflects a “renewed maritime doctrine” of the Police Force that will function independently but also integrate with:
-
Nigerian Navy
-
Marine Police Units of NSCDC
-
Customs & NDLEA task forces
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE
Nigeria loses over $1 billion annually to maritime crimes, particularly crude oil theft and piracy in the Gulf of Guinea—a region once labelled the world’s most dangerous sea lane.
“Without controlling our waters, we can’t secure our economy,” Egbetokun noted.
“From Apapa to Bonny, we are bringing back lawful control.”
LOCAL SUPPORT & TRAINING COMPONENT
The boats, designed by indigenous contractors and outfitted with radar, 12.7mm deck guns, GPS, and searchlights, will be manned by personnel trained in tactical water-based interdiction.
The IGP confirmed a new Marine Training School will open later this year in partnership with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and UNODC.
IDNN INSIGHT: POLICING THE ECONOMIC FRONTLINE
Security experts applaud the move, noting that as land-based insurgents push into riverside zones, the need for blue-water policing is no longer optional.
Analyst Cletus Okonkwo said the real test will be maintenance, coordination, and community trust.
“Gunboats can chase crime, but local intelligence must anchor the effort,” he warned.
