By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF) has strengthened the maritime operational capacity of the Nigeria Police Force with the provision of three new gunboats to enhance waterway surveillance, boost security patrols and tackle criminal activities across the country’s riverine and coastal communities.
The gunboats, which were commissioned and formally handed over to the Police, are expected to improve the Force’s operational presence on the waterways, strengthen rapid response to security threats and reinforce efforts to combat piracy, kidnapping, armed robbery and other maritime crimes.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Executive Secretary of the NPTF, Mohammed F. Sheidu, said the intervention was part of the Fund’s sustained commitment to equipping the Police with essential operational assets to meet evolving security challenges.
Sheidu explained that the provision of the gunboats was a practical investment in modern policing, particularly in areas where criminal elements exploit difficult waterway terrain to perpetrate illegal activities.
He noted that the new assets would expand the operational reach of the Police, improve maritime patrols and enable officers to respond more effectively to security incidents along the nation’s waterways.
“The deployment of these gunboats will significantly enhance police presence across Nigeria’s waterways, improve rapid response to security threats and strengthen our capacity to combat maritime criminality,” he said.
The NPTF Executive Secretary reiterated the Fund’s commitment to supporting the Police through strategic investments in operational equipment, infrastructure, personnel training and welfare, stressing that effective policing requires the provision of appropriate tools and resources.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Sheidu further acknowledged the contributions of the Minister of Police Affairs, the Inspector-General of Police and members of the NPTF Board of Trustees towards the realisation of the Fund’s objectives.
He charged the officers entrusted with the operation of the gunboats to ensure their proper maintenance and judicious deployment, emphasising that the equipment must translate into improved security outcomes for Nigerians.
According to him, the success of the intervention would be measured by its impact on public safety, particularly the ability of the Police to protect vulnerable communities and deny criminals access to the nation’s waterways.
