AIG Ronke Nurat calls for discipline, professionalism at maiden maritime police lecture

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Okunade Ronke Nurat has urged officers of the Maritime Police Command, Force Headquarters Annex, Lagos, to uphold discipline and professionalism, emphasizing intelligence-led policing as key to securing Nigeria’s waterways.

Addressing personnel at her maiden lecture parade in Lagos, AIG Nurat stressed obedience to lawful orders and respect for the chain of command, warning that indiscipline would attract sanctions. She also called for teamwork, inter-agency collaboration, and integrity in enforcing maritime security.

The AIG expressed her profound appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, for the confidence reposed in her to lead the Maritime Police Command. She reaffirmed her commitment to faithfully advancing the vision and strategic direction of the IGP for the Nigeria Police Force.

In a release signed by ASP Adebayo Rashid Adesayo, Police Public Relations Officer, Maritime Police Command , the lecture parade, which marked the AIG’s first formal address to the general staff since assuming duty as the 24th Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Maritime Police Command, provided an opportunity for direct interaction with personnel across various sections, units, and departments of the Command.

The AIG commended officers and men for their commitment to duty, resilience, and demonstrated zeal in the discharge of their responsibilities within the challenging maritime environment.

In her lecture, AIG Okunade Nurat fsi, mspsp, emphasized that discipline remains the bedrock of effective policing, stressing that obedience to lawful orders, respect for the chain of command, and exemplary conduct both on and off duty are non-negotiable requirements for all personnel. She noted that any act of indiscipline undermines public confidence, tarnishes the image of the Nigeria Police Force, and will be met with firm and appropriate sanctions.

The AIG further underscored the importance of professionalism and intelligence-led policing, urging personnel to carry out their duties with integrity, restraint, fairness, and sound judgment. She reminded officers that the uniform represents authority, responsibility, and public trust, and must therefore be worn and upheld with honour at all times. She reiterated that the IGP’s vision for the Maritime Police Command is anchored on operational excellence, proactive intelligence gathering, effective inter-agency collaboration, and the attainment of a low crime year within the maritime domain.

Speaking on the need for inclusiveness and teamwork, AIG Okunade Ronke Nurat, fsi, mspsp, advised that all personnel must see themselves as one united team working towards a common objective which is an effective law enforcement within Nigeria’s maritime space. She directed that teamwork should extend beyond the Command to sister security agencies and critical maritime stakeholders, emphasizing that collective effort is essential to making the maritime domain a safe and enabling environment for commerce and national economic growth. The AIG encouraged mutual respect among ranks, effective communication, and shared responsibility in achieving the Command’s mandate of securing Nigeria’s waterways and maritime assets.

The lecture parade concluded with a call for renewed commitment, dedication, and unwavering loyalty to the Nigeria Police Force, with AIG Nurat assuring officers of purposeful leadership and sustained support for professionalism and merit.

In response, DCP Chuks Obasi (Administration) pledged the Command’s readiness to align with her vision and the IGP’s blueprint. The Maritime Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to upholding discipline, professionalism, and excellence in securing Nigeria’s waterways. The Command also invited maritime stakeholders to collaborate for enhanced efficiency and quality service delivery.