Kogi CP Seeks Stronger Police-Navy Collaboration for Waterways Security
The Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, has emphasised the importance of deepened collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Navy, particularly through the Marine Police, to enhance security on the nation’s waterways.
Dantawaye made the remark in Lokoja during an operational visit by students of Junior Course 99 (JC 99) from the Nigerian Navy Department of Maritime Warfare College.
Commending the students for including the Kogi State Command in their nationwide tour, the commissioner expressed optimism that the visit would positively impact maritime security efforts.
“It’s my belief that this visit will significantly sharpen the effectiveness and professional readiness of the marine police officers,” he said. “Again, this will further consolidate the collaboration and synergy between the police and navy, particularly marine police as it relates to waterways security.”
As part of the visit, a guest lecture was delivered by Ali Usman, the Kogi State Marine Police Officer, who spoke on the topic: “Consolidating Multi-Agency Cooperation for Enhancing Nigeria’s Maritime Security.”
Usman provided an overview of the history, structure, and operations of the marine police, with a focus on activities in Kogi State. He also highlighted several operational challenges and proposed enhanced collaboration between the marine police and the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Lugard.
Speaking during the event, the Team Leader and Director of the Department of Maritime Warfare, Commodore A.O. Ojebode, praised the warm reception by the commissioner and his team. He described the lecture and discussions as timely and crucial for improving national maritime security.
“This historic visit reaffirms the commitment of the Nigerian police force and the Nigerian navy to building a stronger, united front against all maritime and inland waterway-related threats,” Ojebode said.
He noted that the engagement aligns with the theme of JC 99: “Consolidating Multi-Agency Cooperation for Enhanced Nigerian Navy Operations.”
“The Nigerian police force, being a critical security agency with direct responsibility for internal security, is chosen for this engagement to enable students to interact, learn, and develop pragmatic solutions to security challenges through enhanced cooperation,” he added.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the visit is a vital component of the JC 99 curriculum. It aims to expose students to real-time operational dynamics, foster inter-agency collaboration, and deepen their understanding of Nigeria’s national security architecture, particularly in inland maritime environments.
Commodore Ojebode was accompanied by two Chief Instructors, eight directing staff, and 120 students — including 21 female officers and two international participants from Ghana and the Republic of Congo.