The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Government of Denmark have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening maritime security through enhanced international collaboration, intelligence sharing and capacity building aimed at tackling emerging threats across Nigeria’s territorial waters.
Titansloaded reports that the renewed partnership was reinforced during a strategic meeting between the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Force Marine Department, Force Headquarters, Abuja, CP Adepegba Kolawole Adetoye, and a high-powered delegation from the Embassy of Denmark at the Force Headquarters Annex in Lagos.
The Danish delegation was led by Mr. Alex Shoebridge, Consultant at Tana Copenhagen ApS for the Denmark Maritime Security Programme (DMSP), alongside Mrs. Oluwatumininu Onamade, Sustainability Lead and Senior Adviser at the Maritime Trade Council of Denmark.
According to a statement signed by CP Adepegba, the meeting followed a formal communication from the Danish Embassy to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, as part of ongoing consultations on the implementation of the Denmark Maritime Security Programme, which is scheduled to conclude in 2026.
During the meeting, CP Adepegba conveyed the appreciation of the Inspector-General of Police to the Danish Government for its continuous support in strengthening maritime security, institutional development and regional cooperation within the Gulf of Guinea.
He noted that the partnership has significantly improved the operational effectiveness and professionalism of the Force Marine Department through specialised training, operational assistance and knowledge exchange.
While acknowledging the decline in piracy incidents within the Gulf of Guinea, the police commissioner warned that several emerging maritime security threats continue to pose serious challenges. These include crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, human trafficking, arms and narcotics smuggling, illegal fishing, environmental crimes and cyber threats targeting critical maritime infrastructure.
According to him, effectively addressing these challenges will require stronger regional cooperation, modern technology and sustained investment in personnel training and institutional capacity.
CP Adepegba disclosed that the Danish delegation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the next phase of the Denmark Maritime Security Programme, with emphasis on sustaining capacity building, intelligence sharing and joint operational exercises.
Both parties reviewed the progress made under the existing programme and identified new areas of collaboration, including advanced maritime training, intelligence-led policing, maritime investigations, forensic science, cybersecurity, search and rescue operations, underwater investigations, drone deployment, tactical medical care, marine engineering, fire safety aboard vessels and maritime domain awareness.
The proposed partnership will also harness emerging technologies such as drones, satellite surveillance, artificial intelligence and secure communication systems to strengthen operational efficiency and improve maritime law enforcement.
The meeting further stressed the need for stronger collaboration among the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigeria Customs Service, the judiciary and other relevant agencies to improve intelligence sharing, maritime law enforcement and the successful prosecution of maritime crimes.
Discussions also focused on strengthening institutional frameworks for curriculum development, evidence management, crime scene investigation and legal procedures relating to maritime offences, while expanding collaboration with international organisations, including Interpol, to enhance investigations and cross-border enforcement.
CP Adepegba reaffirmed the commitment of the Force Marine Department to the vision of the Inspector-General of Police to build a modern, intelligence-driven and professional marine policing system capable of protecting Nigeria’s inland waterways and territorial waters while contributing to improved security across the Gulf of Guinea.
He expressed optimism that the enduring partnership between Nigeria and Denmark would continue to promote maritime governance, institutional resilience and regional security cooperation in the years ahead.
