The Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Maritime, Police command headquarters, Lagos, Ibrahim Sanni Kaoje on Wednesday directed personnel to release legitimate cargoes under detention .
As a result, AIG Kaoje urged all importers and agents whose consignments are in the ports or under detention to clear them without further delay.
He however quipped that except such a cargo is under suspicion and needed to be investigated.
The AIG made this declaration during his working visit to the western Port Authority Command Lagos Ports Complex LPC, Apapa, Lagos.
He added that he is working to make sure that port operations is not disrupted and to clear the port of cargo congestion , even as he called on those who hide under the guise of Police alerts to move their cargoes from the ports for efficient utilisation of the terminals spaces.
In the event that any cargo is said be under police alert, the AIG asked that such importer should report to the appropriate authority for immediate action.
He noted that the primary role of the police is to protect lives and properties , saying the seaports play a dominant to economic growth.
Kaoje said the Maritime Command has a strong working relationship with the Nigerian Shippers’Council in the area of capacity building on port process manual pointing out that the marine police is mapping out strategies on how boost waterways patrol.
He said support from the Nigerian Ports Authority NPA will further complement operational efforts of personnel within the waterfronts.
Earlier, he called on police operatives to embrace discipline in their areas of jurisdiction especially as elections approach.
According to him, police is the best job ever even as he admonished the officers and men of the command not to pursue quick money, saying money would come at the right time.
Also speaking, the Western Port Police Commissioner, CP Jonathan Towuru promised that the command would henceforth police the Maritime space like never before
On Ease of Doing Business, the commissioner restated the commitment of the command to ensure seamless clearance of cargo for efficient turnaround time in cargo clearing.
Earlier, he told the visiting AIG how the command had been refurbished within his short period as commissioner of police at the seaports.
By Roland Ekama
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