Marine Police established to protect life, property, others – AIG Olofu

By Abiodun OBA

Marine Police was established to among others, protect life and property especially in the marine environment and the navigable inland waterways.

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Maritime Police Command, Lagos, AIG Olofu, Adetutu Rhoda reiterated while meeting with the State Marine Officers (SMOs) otherwise known as the field officers of the Command at the Force Headquarters Annex, Lagos.

A statement by Maritime Police Command Ag. Police Public Relations Officer, ASP EHINMODE A. Rowland, disclosed that the meeting 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.

She said, “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”.

The AIG called on officers to give their all to the service of “our motherland, ensure diligence, energy and professionalism in discharging their roles”.

While warning the officers against bribery and corruption, and that she will not tolerate any form of illicit and unprofessional conduct from anyone found culpable as severe measures will be taken against such individual Olofu encouraged them to be civil in their approach and interactions with members of the public especially the host communities of the coastal areas, build trust and entertain friendly disposition while affirming absolute determination in keeping up with the policy directive and guidelines of the IGP and the Federal Government.

Olofu called on the SMOs to be innovative and move with the time, improve their knowledge base and capacity in line with modern policing techniques.

Finally, the AIG implored the officers to ensure great deal of teamwork, which she said can increase safety, improve effectiveness, strengthen communication, boost morale and assure success.

She promised to operate an open-door policy and that their activities and conducts in discharging their duties and responsibilities will be assessed.

She finally advised them to play by the rules and avoid all tendencies at converting police assets in their custody to commercial use or purposes.

© 2023, maritimemag. All rights reserved.