Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Maritime, Okunade Ronke, has officially refuted claims that police officers were assigned to illegal checkpoints near port access roads. She asserted that no such mandates exist within official police protocols.
This statement follows a joint effort by the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Ports Authority to eliminate unauthorized roadblocks along the Apapa and Tin Can Island port corridors. These areas have suffered from persistent extortion, traffic jams, and jurisdictional disputes that hinder cargo transit and increase logistics expenses.
During a stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos led by NPA Managing Director Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, officials addressed how unclear boundaries between security agencies allow individuals to prey on truck drivers. Dr. Dantsoho emphasized that these disruptions occur outside the formal port perimeter, often caused by poor coordination between Maritime Police and the Lagos State Police Command.
Both police divisions confirmed during the session that they have not sanctioned any checkpoints along these routes. AIG Okunade stressed that anyone claiming to be deployed by Maritime Police to operate such stops is acting illegally. Authorities have warned that any personnel caught participating in these activities will face severe disciplinary measures.