Combating Crime At Sea Ports: AIG Musa Yusuf Garba Emphasis For Cooperation Of All Security Outfits To Secure Maritime Sector

By Raheem Ibrahim

The Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Maritime Command, has called for mutual cooperation of all security outfits assigned to the nation’s ports to achieve crime zero tolerance at maritime areas.

He emphasised that the working together of all security agencies at the ports will not only secure the areas but will send away the criminals that have been a major problem being faced by both the importers and exporters for a long time.

He warned that any breach of the laid-down rules by any outfit will jeopardize others’ efforts and be a risk to operators in maritime areas.

AIG Garba argued that a safe and secured environment remains unattainable in the maritime sector if all the security agencies within the port corridors work in isolation.

He therefore assured of the unwavering commitment of the Command under his watch to synergise with other security agencies in achieving a safer and secured ports across the country.

While playing host to executive members of the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON) at the Force Headquarters Annex, Lagos, Tuesday, AIG Garba hinted at his interactions and engagements with some Comptrollers of Customs, assuring them of his readiness for collaboration and assistance when the need arises.

According to him, “In discharging our duties, we’ve been interacting well with the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies that operate within the ports. We have interacted and found out that except and until we work together, we cannot achieve what we are expected to achieve in terms of securing the maritime sector.

“In the course of our deliberations, I told them that whenever they have security issues, they should not hesitate to call us; we are ready to assist them.”

The AIG Maritime Command, however, warned criminal elements to desist from their criminal acts, stay away from the ports or risk the full wrath of the law, saying, “I want to warn all criminal elements in the maritime sector for their own interest to desist from any form of criminalities if they want to live in peace or be visited with the full wrath of the law because my administration will not condone any forms of criminalities.

“Our tentacles are spread all over the place, because apart from the Police, we have other security agencies watching them,” he added.

While responding to the remarks made by the President of the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON), Kelvin Kagbare, the AIG described journalists as strategic partners in ensuring a safer society, adding that journalists are the mouthpiece to reach the world.

He therefore urged media practitioners to be objective in their reportage by hearing from all parties before publication.

AIG Garba also admonished journalists to always portray the good image of Nigeria to the world in order to assure expatriates of their safety.

Speaking earlier, President of AMJON, Kelvin Kagbare, commended the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, PhD, for the breakthrough recorded by the Police under his leadership.

Kelvin made particular reference to the reduction of kidnapping through the water and highways, noting that it underscores the unwavering commitment of the Police in ensuring the safety of lives and properties across the country.

He also lauded the AIG for the breakthrough he has recorded since assumption of office, notably the safety of lives and property at the ports.

On the mission of the visit, the AMJON President informed that it was primarily to seek collaboration with the Police Maritime Command and assist in the dissemination of its breakthroughs and achievements.