In a renewed effort to sanitize Nigeria’s maritime environment, the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of the Maritime Police Command, AIG Musa Yusuf Garba, has vowed to intensify the prosecution of offenders involved in economic crimes across the nation’s waterways and port corridors.
AIG Garba made this declaration on Thursday, April 17, 2025, while receiving a delegation from the Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON) at the Maritime Police Command Headquarters in Lagos.
An official press statement signed by the Command’s Spokesman, ASP Adebayo Rasheed noted that while addressing the visitors, AIG Garba stressed that beyond routine enforcement, strategic and timely prosecution of offenders is critical to deterring illicit activities such as smuggling, cargo diversion, and port-related fraud.
“The days of arrest without consequence are over. Effective prosecution is not just a legal obligation; it is a strategic weapon in our fight against economic sabotage. We will ensure that those who break the law within the maritime sector are not only caught but prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” he said.
Garba also reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to professionalism and its readiness to collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including maritime associations and sister agencies, to enhance safety, security, and economic growth within the sector.
Earlier, APFFLON President, Otunba Frank Ogunojemite, who led the delegation, praised the Command for its longstanding support and called for deeper collaboration in tackling the complexities of maritime operations. He emphasized that the maritime sector requires law enforcement personnel with specialized training and a strong grasp of industry dynamics.
The visit culminated in the presentation of APFFLON’s Maiden Award of Excellence to AIG Garba in recognition of his dedication, competence, and integrity in the discharge of his duties.
