By Obiabin Onukwugha
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Maritime Police Command, Lagos, AIG Olofu, Adetutu Rhoda, on Wednesday met with the State Marine Officers (SMOs), as part of restrategising efforts in securing Nigeria’s waterways.
Addressing officers of the command during the meeting at the field officers of the Command at the Force Headquarters Annex, Lagos, Rhoda said the Marine Police was established to among others, protect life and property especially in the marine environment and the navigable inland waterways.
A statement by Maritime Police Command Ag. Police Public Relations Officer, ASP EHINMODE A. Rowland, disclosed that the meeting, which was at the instance of the AIG was to brainstorm, appraise and devise modest but actionable ways to ensure the safety and security of the nation’s waterways in line with the core mandate of the Nigeria Police Force as enshrined in the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended and the Police Acts and Regulations.
The AIG said, the Marine Police is to further provide quick and accelerated interventions for victims of attacks, sea robberies, piracy among other vices and for easy evacuation of same, hence, the need to remind and reawaken the consciousness of these officers of their tasks.
AIG Olofu also pointed out that the Maritime Police Command is saddled with the responsibility to secure and complement the efforts of other agencies to ensure the efforts of the Federal Government especially the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in realising its core goals and objectives.
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The statement read in part: “The Command is expected to key into, complement and reinforce the policy direction of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olukayode A. Egbetokun, psc, NPM, Ph.D. to reposition the Force and to combat insecurity.
“Our motherland, ensure diligence, energy and professionalism in discharging their roles”.
She warned officers of the command against bribery and corruption, pointing out that such act will not be tolerated
She called on the SMOs to be innovative so as to improve their knowledge base and capacity in line with modern policing techniques.
The AIG also highlighted the need for teamwork, which she said can increase safety, improve effectiveness, strengthen communication, boost morale and assure success.
Rhoda, who reiterated an open-door policy promised to reward officers with good conducts in line of their duties and responsibilities.
She, therefore, advised them to play by the rules and avoid all tendencies at converting police assets in their custody to commercial use or purposes.
