AIG Ogbodo Pledges Support for NIWA in Curbing Maritime Crime

In a move to strengthen collaboration and combat crime on Nigeria’s waterways, Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Police in charge of Maritime Police Command, AIG Augustina Ogbodo, paid a courtesy visit to the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) on October 9, 2024.

Accompanied by her management team, including Commissioner of Police (CP) Emmanuel Agene and Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Odunayo Liasu, AIG Ogbodo met with the Area Manager of NIWA, Engr. Sarat Braimoh, and her team in Lagos.

The purpose of the visit according to a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the Command, ASP Kelvin Ihende, was to foster a stronger relationship between the police and NIWA in addressing safety and security concerns across Nigeria’s inland waterways.

AIG Ogbodo reiterated her commitment to working closely with the agency to ensure the safety of both onshore and offshore maritime operations.

She emphasized her readiness to tackle any maritime security challenges that might affect NIWA, pledging to maintain an open-door policy for addressing public concerns and maritime safety issues.

The AIG also expressed her determination to curb crimes within Nigeria’s waterways, recognizing the importance of securing the maritime environment to promote economic activities.

“We are fully committed to supporting NIWA and ensuring that criminal activities across the waterways are minimized,” she said.

Engr. Sarat Braimoh, the NIWA Area Manager, thanked AIG Ogbodo for making time for the visit despite her busy schedule. She reaffirmed NIWA’s readiness to collaborate with the Maritime Police Command to enhance the safety and security of the waterways.

“Our cooperation is crucial to sustaining a safe environment for maritime operations, and we are fully committed to working hand in hand with the maritime police,” Braimoh said.

The visit underscores the importance of inter-agency cooperation in tackling maritime crime, a growing concern in Nigeria’s waterways.

Both NIWA and the Maritime Police Command pledged their unwavering support to ensure the safety and security of the nation’s inland waterways.