The newly appointed Commissioner of Police for the western Ports, CP Cyril Okoro has promised that the commands under his watch would enforce strict access control into the nation’s seaports to check the activities of container breachers known as ‘wharf rats’ as regards increasing cases of broaching of containers and other imported items within the port terminals.
He added that he would adopt the community policing strategy as part of efforts of the Force to curb criminal activities around the port knowing fully well that Port is the gate way to the nation’s economy, as such, adequate security is needed at all times.
The port police boss stated on Thursday during his working visit to the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) national headquarters in Apapa, Lagos.
He disclosed that the decision to visit the association was informed by the community policing policy of the Inspector General of Police to seek effective working collaboration with Association and other relevant stakeholders in the maritime sector, in order to secure the Port for businesses to thrive.
Pledging to do his best to ensure adequate security in the port, he said “You know I just came, so I will take out time to look at all the issues that tend hinder security of lives and property around the port environment. With the support and collaboration of the stakeholders, we will address all the nagging security issues”.
He however added that achieving it would not be possible without the cooperation of the various stakeholders since the Police need information to track criminals.
Responding to the CP, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, founder of the association,said that NAGAFF appreciates his visit being the first in the series and also promised to collaborate with him in order to provide security in the ports at all time.
As regards challenges that may be faced by the new Commissioner, Aniebonam pointed out that since his predecessor must have given him a handover note, which will contain flashpoints for him to concentrate on how to reduce all incidences of crimes in and around the port environment, he does not envisage any difficulties for his tenure.
