ATBOWATON, Police Boost Security On Lagos-Ogun Waterways
The Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria has stepped up efforts to enhance security across Nigeria’s coastal waterways, forging stronger collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force in Lagos State and Ogun State.
This renewed commitment to tackling maritime crime was underscored during a courtesy visit by ATBOWATON executives to the Assistant Inspector General of Police overseeing both states, Olohundare Jimoh.
The high-level engagement focused on developing practical strategies to curb kidnapping, sea piracy, and other criminal activities plaguing inland and coastal waterways.
Speaking during the meeting, AIG Jimoh praised the association for its proactive contributions to security operations, stressing the importance of sustained collaboration between law enforcement agencies and private sector stakeholders.
He expressed readiness to strengthen ties with boat operators and other maritime players to improve surveillance and response mechanisms along critical water routes.
According to him, effective partnership remains a cornerstone in addressing security challenges within the maritime transport sector.
He noted that closer coordination between the police and industry operators would not only suppress criminal activity but also rebuild public confidence in water transportation systems across the region.
Earlier, the National President of ATBOWATON, Ganiyu Shekoni Balogun, popularly known as “De Boatman Tarzan,” explained that the visit was part of ongoing efforts to consolidate progress already made in reducing insecurity on the waterways.
He highlighted that incidents of kidnapping and sea piracy, once rampant, have significantly declined due to improved security interventions and stakeholder cooperation.
Balogun, who also serves as Managing Director of Tarzan Jetties and Maritime Enterprises, recalled that previous cases involving passengers and expatriates had discouraged the use of water transport, negatively impacting business operations and investor confidence.
“This engagement will have a very positive impact on our operations. While criminal activities have reduced considerably, we believe that with enhanced support – particularly in terms of equipment for marine policing – these threats can be minimised further, if not completely eliminated,” he stated.
He reaffirmed the association’s readiness to support security agencies with logistics, including the provision of boats for patrols, rescue missions, and emergency response operations.
Given the extensive coverage of its members across coastal communities, ATBOWATON pledged to remain a reliable partner in safeguarding waterways.
The association has also intensified sensitisation campaigns among its members, promoting the “See Something, Say Something” approach to security.
Operators have been urged to promptly report suspicious movements to authorities, recognising that waterway crimes often occur unpredictably, at any time of day or night. Past incidents along the Lekki corridor were cited as evidence of the need for constant vigilance and swift communication.
Representatives from state chapters echoed the importance of sustained cooperation. Officials from the Lagos chapter noted that compliance with security protocols and timely intelligence-sharing have already contributed to noticeable improvements in safety across major routes.
Among those present at the meeting were Lagos State Chairman of ATBOWATON, Hon. Laval Babatunde Saheed; Ogun State Chairman, Mr Aroguade; and the National Secretary, Alhaji Kolade Adeshiyan, who represented the national leadership.
At the conclusion of the meeting, it was agreed that national executives would address overarching challenges affecting the association, while state chairmen would focus on localised security and operational issues within their jurisdictions.
ATBOWATON expressed confidence that the strengthened alliance with the police would further restore public trust in water transport, encourage increased patronage, and stimulate tourism and marine-based economic activities in Lagos and Ogun States.
Stakeholders maintained that continuous collaboration between security agencies and industry operators remains vital to ensuring safer waterways and unlocking the full economic potential of Nigeria’s coastal corridors.
