Police, Navy join forces against drug-induced crimes
The Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Navy have strengthened collaboration to combat drug-related crimes, arms smuggling and other internal security threats following a strategic visit by the Assistant Inspector-General
The Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Navy have strengthened collaboration to combat drug-related crimes, arms smuggling and other internal security threats following a strategic visit by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Zone 2, Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, to the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command (WNC), Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, in Apapa, Lagos.
The meeting was part of efforts to reinforce inter-agency cooperation to protect Nigeria’s maritime domain and strengthen security across the Southwest region.
Both commanders emphasised intelligence sharing, joint operations and grassroots coordination as critical to tackling narcotics trafficking through coastal corridors and related violent crimes in Lagos and Ogun states.
Jimoh, who led members of the Zonal Management Team on the visit, stressed the need to deepen operational synergy between the police and the Navy, noting that cooperation at all levels must translate into improved field coordination.
“Coming here today is to further broaden the base of our relationship. It is important for officers and personnel to see clearly that we are working together. We must remain on the same page in addressing security challenges within our jurisdictions,” he said.
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He noted that evolving threats in coastal and littoral areas require closer collaboration, especially against organised crimes such as drug trafficking, cultism and land grabbing, adding that maritime-linked criminal networks often extend inland and demand coordinated responses.
The AIG added that communication channels between operational commanders of both services would be strengthened to enable faster intelligence exchange and joint responses.
In his response, Rear Admiral Mustapha described the visit as timely, noting that crimes linked to narcotics trafficking continue to threaten national security and community safety.
He said some illicit drugs enter the country through maritime routes, adding that naval operations had intercepted consignments of cannabis and other contraband along inland waterways and coastal channels and handed them over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
“When there is presence and coordination, we intercept more,” he said, adding that technology-driven surveillance and stronger intelligence networks were being deployed along the coastline to track suspicious vessel movements.
The FOC stressed the need for better regulation of vessel movements across lagoons and inland waterways, warning that unmonitored traffic creates opportunities for smugglers transporting drugs and arms.
He also highlighted the role of community intelligence in dismantling trafficking networks, noting that security agencies must “connect the dots” across communities rather than rely solely on isolated arrests.
Mustapha further disclosed that the Navy was strengthening collaboration with other security agencies, including the police, to disrupt supply chains feeding criminal groups.
He warned that drug abuse fuels violent crime and affects discipline within security environments and conflict theatres, underscoring the importance of rehabilitation alongside enforcement.
Both commanders agreed that closer tactical and intelligence cooperation would help prevent criminal infiltration of waterways and coastal communities while improving responses to emerging threats ahead of future security operations and the forthcoming general elections.
