The newly appointed Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has pledged to tighten security across Nigeria’s waterways, promising stronger policing and enhanced enforcement to protect maritime assets, ensure safe navigation, and support the nation’s blue economy initiatives.
The IGP emphasized that the Nigeria Police Force will work closely with relevant agencies to boost surveillance, increase patrols, and prevent criminal activities along the country’s rivers, ports, and coastal areas, ensuring maritime operations remain safe and secure.
Disu made the pledge during a meeting with the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, in Abuja on Thursday.
The discussion focused on strengthening collaboration between the NPF and the ministry, particularly in coastal and inland waterways, to safeguard maritime operations, protect critical infrastructure, and support economic activities within the sector.
Speaking during the meeting, Oyetola congratulated Disu on his appointment as IGP, describing it as well-deserved and expressing confidence in his ability to provide effective leadership for the nation’s police.
“I warmly congratulate you on your appointment as Inspector-General of Police,” the minister said. “Your track record of professionalism and service inspires confidence that you will perform excellently in this office and further strengthen the security architecture of our country.”
Oyetola also described the meeting as timely, stressing that inter-agency synergy is central to the Federal Government’s blue economy agenda. He noted that the ministry is committed to working closely with law enforcement and security institutions to ensure Nigeria’s waters remain safe, secure, and conducive to investment and sustainable use.
“The maritime sector holds enormous promise for economic diversification and job creation,” he stated. “To unlock its full potential, we must guarantee safety and order across our waterways through seamless cooperation among all relevant agencies.”
In response, IGP Disu reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s readiness to enhance operational support for maritime security initiatives, including intelligence-led policing, regular patrols, and strict enforcement against criminal activities on the waterways.
Both leaders agreed to maintain regular strategic dialogues and operational coordination mechanisms aimed at improving surveillance, response capacity, and information sharing across agencies operating in Nigeria’s marine and coastal environments.