Lagos Ports: Police, NAGAFF partner to eliminate vandalism

Chinazor Megbolu |

In a bid towards curbing vandalism at the nation’s port, the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) has agreed to partner the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) to make it achievable.

This agreement was sealed when the Commissioner of Police, Ports Authority Command, Mr. Cyril Okoro paid a courtesy visit on to the association headquarters in Lagos on Thursday.

Both parties stated the agreement became necessary due to the operation of vandals popularly known as ‘wharf rats’ which has become worrisome in recent times.

The Commissioner in his address said they would commence enforcement of strict checks to ensure only authorized people are allowed access into the ports.

Okoro, during the visit, noted the police would now ensure maximum security at the port adding that the force is not resting on its oars on improving its synergy with stakeholders in the sector on community policing.

“On the issue of wharf rats, we will improve on the ports access control and make sure that only people who have a business in the ports have access to the port”.

“In that wise, I believe the issue of wharf rats will be a thing of the past”.

“Our visit to NAGAFF today is in line with the policy of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) in community policing”.

“We are here on a courtesy call to NAGAFF being one of the major stakeholders in the maritime industry,” Okoro said.

Meanwhile, the National President, NAGAFF, Chief Increase Uche who was represented by the Deputy National President, Mr. Simeon Nwonu stressed that NAGAFF is ready to partner with the Police to curb the menace.

Increase said the association is always ready to comply with the rules of engagement and ensure the police are doing their jobs creditably.

“For us here we are trained and we can’t stop giving police our support. We will have to keep synergizing in order to achieve the optimum results,” he said.

He also noted that the visit is like a homecoming for the members of the association because they have been waiting to receive the police team.

According to him; “we are happy to receive all of you, NAGAFF has a cordial relationship with the Nigerian Police Force especially the ports Police”.

“It has been part of our relationship built on trust, respect and of course to the best of our ability compliance to what we are doing at the ports”.

“So, we welcome you to NAGAFF. As you are here now, we know that you have the experience to handle the position well”.

It would be recalled that this year, the activities of wharf vandalism got to its height at the nation’s port, where several vehicles were vandalized and their expensive parts stolen right under the nose of terminal operators.

These occurrences made operators conclude it was as a result of security lapses on the part of terminal operators while others blamed the Nigerian dockworkers.