By: Okosun Dennis

Stakeholders in the maritime sector met with the Nigerian Navy in Apapa, Lagos, on Wednesday to deepen conversations on enhancing stronger collaboration among security agencies, businesses and the host communities to tackle crime and criminal activities during the Yuletide period leading to the 2027 general elections.

The integrative session held at the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft Officers’ Mess.

In his brief, the Commander, NNS Beecroft, Commodore Awuiyor Adams-Aliu reminded them on the importance of maintaining a strong, synergistic relationship with security agencies – the police, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to combat crime in the port city and protect school children who are most vulnerable.

Adams-Aliu observed that the Western Naval Command, under the leadership of Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, is determined to ensure that Nigeria’s maritime space remains crime-free to facilitate legitimate commerce.

He added that the initiative is aimed at aligning all stakeholders on this goal.

On collaborative intelligence gathering, restarted the need for improved intelligence sharing and the use of robust reporting channels. He urged participants drawn across the maritime corridor, to share information among the Nigerian Navy, the police, and NIMASA to enable a coordinated response to criminal activities.

In her response, the Chairman, Apapa local government, Hon Idowu Adejumoke Senbanjo, appreciated the Nigerian Navy, expressing specific concern about the notoriety of Gidan Drama II for criminal activities, promising to have the community demolished.

During the interactive session, some stakeholders suggested different ways to achieve their goals through a standardized communication format that will make things seamless.