How intelligence-led policing is reshaping Nigeria’s maritime domain under AIG Ronke Okunade.

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Maritime Police Command, AIG Ronke Nurat Okunade, has emphasized discipline, professionalism, inclusiveness and intelligence-led policing as the cornerstone of effective maritime security in Nigeria.

AIG Okunade made this known during her Maiden Lecture Parade for officers and men of the Maritime Police Command at the Force Headquarters Annex, Obalende, Lagos State, marking her first formal engagement with personnel since assuming office as the 24th AIG of the Command.

Expressing appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for the confidence reposed in her leadership, the AIG reaffirmed her commitment to advancing the vision and strategic direction of the IGP for the Nigeria Police Force.

According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Maritime Police Command, ASP Adebayo Rasheed, the lecture parade provided a platform for direct interaction with personnel drawn from various units, sections and departments of the Command.

Commending officers and men for their resilience and dedication to duty within the challenging maritime environment, AIG Okunade stressed that discipline remains the bedrock of effective policing, noting that obedience to lawful orders, respect for the chain of command and exemplary conduct on and off duty are mandatory.

She warned that any act of indiscipline undermines public confidence and tarnishes the image of the Nigeria Police Force, adding that such acts would attract firm and appropriate sanctions.

The AIG further underscored the importance of professionalism and intelligence-led policing, urging personnel to discharge their duties with integrity, fairness, restraint and sound judgment.

She reminded officers that the police uniform symbolizes authority, responsibility and public trust, which must be upheld with honour at all times.

Reiterating the IGP’s vision for the Maritime Police Command, AIG Okunade explained that it is anchored on operational excellence, proactive intelligence gathering, effective inter-agency collaboration and the achievement of a low crime rate within Nigeria’s maritime domain.

On inclusiveness and teamwork, she advised personnel to see themselves as a united force working toward a common goal, stressing that collaboration must extend beyond the Command to sister security agencies and key maritime stakeholders to ensure a safe and enabling environment for commerce and economic growth.

She encouraged mutual respect across ranks, effective communication and shared responsibility in fulfilling the Command’s mandate of securing Nigeria’s waterways and maritime assets.

Concluding with a call for renewed dedication and loyalty to the Nigeria Police Force, AIG Okunade assured officers and men of purposeful leadership and sustained support for professionalism, diligence and merit-based service.

In his remarks, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Administration), DCP Chuks Obasi, pledged the readiness and cooperation of officers and men of the Maritime Police Command to work in line with the AIG’s leadership vision and the IGP’s blueprint for the Force.

The Maritime Police Command reaffirmed its resolve to uphold the highest standards of discipline, professionalism and service delivery, while urging maritime stakeholders to engage constructively with the Police to enhance efficiency and safeguard Nigeria’s waterways and maritime assets.