The Nigerian Navy and maritime stakeholders in Apapa, Lagos, have called for stronger collaboration among security agencies, businesses and host communities to tackle crime and criminal activities during the festive season and ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The call was made Wednesday by the Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, at a maritime stakeholders’ meeting held at the naval base in Apapa.
The meeting also featured questions from stakeholders on how to improve information and intelligence sharing, establish effective communication channels and sustain regular engagement among security agencies, businesses and host communities.
Adams-Aliu said timely reporting of suspicious activities and effective intelligence sharing were critical to preventing maritime crime, smuggling, drug trafficking and illegal migration.
He noted that security across Lagos waters was currently calm but required constant monitoring and a coordinated response from all relevant stakeholders.
“The Nigerian Navy and, by extension, NNS Beecroft cannot do it alone,” he said, stressing the need for stronger partnerships with other security agencies and institutions operating within the maritime environment.
The commander said the meeting was intended to strengthen communication channels, designate security contacts and ensure prompt reporting of security incidents and emerging threats.
He disclosed that NNS Beecroft had seized 23 bags of illicit drugs and rescued 25 stowaways since February 2026. The stowaways were handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service, while the confiscated drugs were transferred to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
He added that the naval base had conducted joint operations with other security agencies to combat drug trafficking and other criminal activities.
The Executive Chairman of Apapa Local Government Area, Idowu Adejumoke Senbanjo, also urged residents and businesses to work more closely with security agencies, warning that drug trafficking, human trafficking, child abuse and illegal arms smuggling remained concerns in the port community.
Senbanjo called for greater vigilance, particularly to protect children from drug dealers and other criminal networks and urged residents not to ignore suspicious activities in their neighbourhoods.
The stakeholders’ meeting underscored the need for sustained engagement, clear channels for sharing information and intelligence, and collective action to strengthen security across Apapa and surrounding waterways as the festive season and 2027 election period approach.
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