The Nigerian Navy has urged maritime stakeholders in Lagos to strengthen intelligence sharing and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies to curb crime within the nation’s maritime domain.
The Commander Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu made the call on Wednesday at a maritime stakeholders’ meeting at the NNS BEECROFT Officers’ Mess.
Adams-Aliu said effective maritime security required closer cooperation among the Navy other security agencies maritime operators and host communities.
He said stakeholders should establish reliable reporting channels through designated security focal persons agreed communication channels standardised incident reports and timely feedback to organisations that report security incidents.
According to him the maritime security situation within Lagos waters and environs was currently calm but required constant monitoring to prevent criminal activities.
He identified smuggling and attempts by illegal migrants to stow away on commercial vessels as prominent infractions recorded in the area.
The commander said NNS BEECROFT had confiscated 23 bags of illegal drugs since February and handed them over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
He said the seizures included 480 kilograms of cannabis sativa recovered at Abule Osun Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area in February; 192 kilograms recovered at Ikare Island in April; and 756 kilograms recovered from a wooden boat at Alfa Beach in July.
Adams-Aliu also said the base had rescued 25 stowaways during the period and handed them over to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).
He said the Navy had also conducted joint operations with the Nigeria Police Force Department of State Services Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps NDLEA and other agencies to tackle drug trafficking and other illegal activities.
The commander noted that two suspected drug peddlers were arrested at Gidan Drama in February while nine others were arrested around Agbo Malu in Apapa in September.
He added that the meeting was organised to improve synergy among institutions operating in the maritime space and to ensure legitimate commercial activities could thrive while criminal activities were discouraged.
Adams-Aliu said ‘We just need to get more reports more information more intelligence sharing. Share with the police share with NIMASA also share with the Nigerian Navy through NNS BEECROFT. We can all respond. Once we are all working together it is only Nigeria that will benefit.’
The chairman Apapa Local Government Idowu Senbajo said the council would continue to work with NNS BEECROFT and other security agencies to improve security in the port city.
Senbajo said Apapa’s status as a port city made it particularly important for security agencies to closely monitor activities and movements in the area.
She added that the council had maintained a cordial relationship with NNS BEECROFT and other security agencies adding that stronger collaboration would help address security challenges in the area.
She also commended security agencies for protecting residents particularly children from criminal activities.
The chairman said the council would continue to support security agencies in maintaining a safe environment for residents and businesses.