Maritime Police Under Scrutiny as Okunade Signals Tough Discipline Regime
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Maritime Police Command, AIG Okunade Ronke Nurat, fsi, mspsp, has declared discipline, professionalism and intelligence-led policing as non-negotiable pillars of her administration, warning that any conduct that undermines the integrity of the Nigeria Police Force will attract firm sanctions.
AIG Okunade made this clear at her Maiden Lecture Parade for officers, men and women of the Maritime Police Command, held at the Force Headquarters Annex, Lagos. The parade marked her first formal engagement with personnel since assuming duty as the 24th Assistant Inspector-General of Police overseeing the Maritime Command.
Speaking before officers drawn from various sections, units and departments, the AIG expressed deep appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, for the confidence reposed in her, pledging unwavering loyalty to his vision and strategic direction for the Force.
According to a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Adebayo Rasheed Adesayo, anipr., the lecture parade provided a platform for direct interaction and strategic reorientation of personnel operating within Nigeria’s complex maritime environment. The AIG commended officers and men for their resilience and commitment to duty, noting the unique operational challenges associated with maritime policing.
She stressed that discipline remains the bedrock of effective policing, insisting that obedience to lawful orders, respect for the chain of command and exemplary conduct, both in and out of uniform, are essential to sustaining public trust. Any form of indiscipline, she warned, not only erodes confidence but also damages the image of the Nigeria Police Force.
AIG Okunade further charged personnel to embrace professionalism and intelligence-led operations, urging them to discharge their duties with integrity, fairness, restraint and sound judgment. She reminded officers that the police uniform symbolises authority and public trust, and must therefore be upheld with honour at all times.
She noted that the IGP’s vision for the Maritime Police Command is anchored on operational excellence, proactive intelligence gathering, robust inter-agency collaboration and the attainment of a low-crime maritime domain that supports national economic growth.
On inclusiveness and teamwork, the AIG emphasised that all personnel must see themselves as one united force working towards the common goal of securing Nigeria’s waterways and maritime assets. She added that effective collaboration with sister security agencies and key maritime stakeholders is critical to creating a safe and enabling environment for commerce.
The lecture parade ended with a call for renewed dedication, professionalism and loyalty to the Nigeria Police Force. AIG Okunade assured personnel of purposeful leadership, merit-based support and a command climate that rewards diligence and integrity.
In his response, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Administration), DCP Chuks Obasi, psc, assured the AIG of the total commitment, cooperation and readiness of officers and men of the Maritime Police Command to align with her leadership vision and the reform blueprint of the Inspector-General of Police.
The Maritime Police Command reaffirmed its resolve to uphold the highest standards of discipline and service delivery in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain, while calling on stakeholders to engage constructively with the Police to enhance efficiency and operational effectiveness.
