Maritime Police Warns Freight Forwarders Against Shielding Criminal Elements in Maritime Sector
AIG Maritime Police, Okunade Ronke Nurat (left) and the President of AREFFN, Chief Francis Obiekezie during a courtesy visit by AREFFN.
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Maritime Police Command, AIG Okunade Ronke Nurat has warned freight forwarders against harbouring or shielding individuals involved in criminal activities within the maritime sector, urging them instead to expose such elements and their activities to security agencies.
AIG Okunade gave the warning on Tuesday, 28th July, 2026, at the Command Headquarters, Force Headquarters Annex, Obalende, Lagos, while receiving the Acting President of the Association of Registered Freight Forwarders, Nigeria (AREFFN), Chief Obiekezie Francis Uchenna, and his delegation on a maiden courtesy visit.
She explained that there are occasions when the Police are duty-bound to investigate matters based on credible intelligence in the interest of public safety and national security.
She therefore urged members of the Association to continue supporting law enforcement efforts by providing timely and credible information whenever necessary, stressing that the collective efforts of all stakeholders remain indispensable in ensuring a safe, secure and business-friendly maritime environment.
Earlier in his remarks, Chief Uchenna had explained that the visit was to formally acquaint the new leadership of the Association with the AIG Maritime, notify the Command of the recent change in the Association’s leadership, and further strengthen the existing cordial relationship between both organisations.
He said AREFFN remained committed to working closely with the Maritime Police Command in promoting a secure and efficient port environment, adding that the Association would continue to protect the legitimate interests of its members, particularly in ensuring the seamless clearance of consignments at the nation’s seaports, while pledging its support for initiatives that enhance maritime security and facilitate lawful trade.
Responding, AIG Okunade welcomed the Acting President and his delegation and congratulated Chief Uchenna on his appointment.
She assured the delegation of the Command’s commitment to a relationship built on mutual respect, cooperation and continuous engagement with stakeholders in the maritime sector, noting that since assuming office, she had made deliberate efforts to improve the quality of service delivery across the Maritime Police Command in line with the vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
She emphasized that the Nigeria Police Force exists to serve the public and safeguard national interests with professionalism, fairness and integrity.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Maritime Police Command, ASP Adebayo Rasheed Adesayo, the Command reiterated its commitment to strengthening partnerships with stakeholders in the maritime industry through sustained collaboration, intelligence sharing and effective policing in support of maritime safety, national security and economic prosperity.
