AIG Maritime Police Reads “Riot Act” to Field Officers, Warn Against Bribery, Corruption

By DAPO OLAWUNI

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Maritime Police Command, Lagos, AIG Olofu, Adetutu Rhoda has warned field officers under her command to shun bribery and corruption as she will not tolerate any form of illicit and unprofessional conduct from anyone found culpable as severe measures will be taken against such individual.

This warning was issued on Thursday 30th November, 2023 when she met with the State Marine Officers (SMOs) otherwise known as the field officers of the Command to brainstorm, appraise and devise modest but actionable ways to ensure the safety and security of the 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.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Public Relations Officer of the command, ASP Ehinmode Rowland, the AIG said, the Marine Police was established to among others, protect life and property especially in the marine environment and the navigable inland waterways, 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.

“The AIG stated further 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 Nigeria, ensure diligence, energy and professionalism in discharging their roles.

“She warned them to shun bribery and corruption as she will not tolerate any form of illicit and unprofessional conduct from anyone found culpable as severe measures will be taken against such individual.

“She encouraged the SMOs 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.

“AIG Olofu advised 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 team work, which she said can increase safety, improve effectiveness, strengthen communication, boost morale and assure success.

“She promised to be available and accessible to all and that their activities and conducts in discharging their duties and responsibilities will be assessed. She therefore advised them to play by the rules and avoid every tendencies at converting police assets in their custody to commercial use or purposes” the statement read