Ongoing efforts to improve efficiency and security around the nation’s busiest seaports received a boost last week as the Maritime Police Command joined a major inter-agency clean-up and enforcement operation across the Lagos port corridor.
The two-day exercise, held on May 14 and 15, brought together security and regulatory agencies under the coordination of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) to tackle congestion, illegal activities, and security concerns around the Apapa and Tin Can Island port environments.
According to a statement issued weekend by the Maritime Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Adebayo Rasheed Adesayo, the operation was led by the Director-General of PEBEC, Princess Zahra Mustapha Audu, in collaboration with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the Lagos State Government, and other key stakeholders.
The Maritime Police Command, headed by Assistant Inspector-General of Police AIG Okunade Ronke Nurat, deployed operational personnel and patrol teams to strategic areas within the port corridor as part of efforts to restore order and strengthen security around the nation’s maritime gateways.
Authorities said the enforcement exercise focused on dismantling illegal checkpoints and removing unlawful obstructions believed to be hampering port operations and disrupting the free movement of cargo and vehicles within the corridor.
The operation also targeted criminal and unauthorized activities within the port environment, including the activities of “port rats,” street urchins, touts, thugs, and unlicensed operators accused of undermining safety and operational efficiency.
Security operatives further intensified checks against unauthorized access into port facilities by individuals without legitimate business within the ports, while enforcing existing access control and security regulations.
Speaking on the operation, AIG Okunade commended the professionalism and cooperation demonstrated by participating officers and agencies throughout the exercise.
“The Maritime Police Command remains committed to supporting all lawful initiatives aimed at enhancing maritime security, facilitating trade, reducing congestion, and promoting ease of doing business within Nigeria’s ports and waterways,” she said.
The Command also reassured port users and stakeholders of its determination to sustain collaborative security efforts aimed at protecting critical national infrastructure and maintaining law and order within the maritime sector.
Authorities urged members of the public, especially port users and operators, to remain law-abiding and support ongoing enforcement operations by providing credible and timely information through appropriate channels, including PEBEC complaint platforms.