Maritime Police join PEBEC to dismantle illegal checkpoints across Lagos Port corridor

Ongoing efforts to improve efficiency and security around Nigeria’s busiest seaports received a significant boost last week as the Maritime Police Command joined a major inter-agency cleanup and enforcement operation across the Lagos port corridor.

The two-day exercise, held on May 14 and 15, brought together security and regulatory agencies under the coordination of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC).

The initiative aimed to tackle congestion, illegal activities, and security concerns around the Apapa and Tin Can Island port environments.

According to a statement issued over the weekend by the Maritime Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Adebayo Rasheed Adesayo, the operation was led by the Director-General of PEBEC, Princess Zahra Mustapha Audu.

The intervention was executed in collaboration with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the Lagos State Government, and other key stakeholders.

The Maritime Police Command, headed by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG Okunade Ronke Nurat, deployed operational personnel and patrol teams to strategic areas within the port corridor.

This deployment was part of broader efforts to restore order and strengthen security around the nation’s maritime gateways.

Authorities stated that the enforcement exercise focused on dismantling illegal checkpoints and removing unlawful obstructions believed to be hampering port operations and disrupting the free movement of cargo and vehicles.

The operation also targeted criminal and unauthorized activities within the port environment.

This included addressing the illicit activities of port rats, street urchins, touts, thugs, and unlicensed operators who stand accused of undermining safety and operational efficiency.

Furthermore, security operatives intensified checks against unauthorized access to port facilities by individuals without legitimate business, while simultaneously enforcing existing access control and security regulations.

Speaking on the operation, AIG Okunade commended the professionalism and cooperation demonstrated by the participating officers and agencies throughout the exercise.

She emphasized that the Maritime Police Command remains committed to supporting all lawful initiatives aimed at enhancing maritime security, facilitating trade, reducing congestion, and promoting the ease of doing business within Nigeria’s ports and waterways.

The Command also reassured port users and stakeholders of its determination to sustain collaborative security efforts to protect critical national infrastructure and maintain law and order within the maritime sector.

Authorities also urged members of the public, especially port users and operators, to remain law-abiding and support ongoing enforcement operations by providing credible and timely information through appropriate channels, including the PEBEC complaint platforms.