Clearing agents decry indiscriminate arrest by port police 

The arrest, ostensibly was in connection with the influx of wharf rats into the port in recent time.

Members of the Association of Registered Freight Forwarders in Nigeria (AREFFN), have kicked against the raids at the facilities saying it militates against trade facilitation.

Nigeriamaritime360.com gathered that operatives of the Nigerian  port Police  had embarked on constant raiding of port users at the terminals following the rising cases of cargo vandalisation.

Finding further revealed that scores of freight forwarders, customs brokers and shippers have been allegedly arrested by officials of the ports police.

It was also gathered that operatives of the Port Police constantly patrol  Five Star Logistics Terminal and Ports and Cargo Handling Service, Tin Can Island port .

Chairman, AREFFN, Tin Can Island Port chapter,  Comrade Jude Ige kicked against the alleged clampdown on freight agents by Police authority, even as he added that the action could hamper smooth port operations and cargo clearance at the seaports.

He noted that legitimate agents are being harassed by police operatives pointing out the Wharf Rats can be fished out only when the authority synergises with the stakeholders and not to treat them like criminals.

According to him, the clampdown on agents and shippers might trigger some rounds of protest against the Port Police adding that the trade facilitation is at high risk due to the development.

Speaking  on the development, a senior police officer at the Roll on Roll Off (RoRo) terminal in Tincan, who preferred anonymity, said he was not aware of such arrests in the port.

He however added that it was necessary to rid the port of unwanted visitors that can cause security threat to the port.