ABUJA — The Nigerian Navy and the Nigeria Police Force have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration in training, intelligence sharing and joint operations as part of efforts to tackle Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
This formed the crux of discussions during a courtesy visit by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, at Naval Headquarters on Wednesday in Abuja.
Speaking during the meeting, Abbas stressed that inter-agency synergy remained indispensable in addressing complex security threats, noting that no single agency could effectively tackle them in isolation.
“Our institutions must work together and conduct operations based on intelligence. No single agency can do it alone,” he said, describing collaboration as a central pillar of the Navy’s operational strategy.
The naval chief assured the police of sustained support in joint operations and capacity building, while proposing enhanced training opportunities for Marine Police personnel at naval facilities, including the Gunnery Maintenance and Support Development Centre in Lagos.
He also underscored the need for improved intelligence sharing through existing platforms such as the Maritime Crime Investigation Desk to strengthen responses to maritime threats.
In his remarks, Disu said the visit was to appreciate the Navy’s continued cooperation with the police, particularly in maritime security and joint operations across difficult terrains.
“We are here to say thank you for the cooperation you have extended to the Nigeria Police Force. We have no alternative but to work together,” he said.
The IGP disclosed plans to expand training opportunities for naval personnel in police institutions, especially in advanced detective courses, to deepen professionalism and inter-agency understanding.
He also reiterated the police’s commitment to intelligence-led policing, stressing that future deployments would be strictly guided by credible intelligence.
“We will not deploy without intelligence. That era is over. We are ready to share intelligence with you,” he said.
Both security chiefs highlighted the importance of accountability and seamless coordination in handling inter-agency cases, agreeing that structured handovers and improved collaboration would enhance stability in cleared areas.
The meeting further reinforced plans for sustained cooperation in securing Nigeria’s maritime and inland waterways, as well as broader national security operations.
