By Janefrances Chibuzor
The Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATON) has intensified efforts to strengthen security on Nigeria’s coastal waterways through renewed collaboration with police authorities in Lagos and Ogun States.
This move was highlighted during a courtesy visit by executives of ATBOWATON to the office of the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Lagos and Ogun States, AIG Olohundare Jimoh, where both parties discussed strategies to combat kidnapping, sea piracy, and other criminal activities along the waterways.
Speaking during the meeting, AIG Olohundare Jimoh commended the association for its proactive role in supporting security operations and expressed his willingness to work closely with stakeholders in the maritime transport sector.
He stated that he would appreciate the association’s continued support in strengthening the management of security operations along the waterways, noting that collaboration between the police and industry operators remains critical to addressing crime along coastal routes.
According to him, sustained synergy between the police and boat operators will significantly reduce criminal activities and improve public confidence in water transportation across the region.
Earlier, the National President of ATBOWATON, Mr. Ganiyu Shekoni Balogun, popularly known as De Boatman Tarzan, said the visit was aimed at strengthening cooperation with security agencies to consolidate the gains already recorded in reducing criminal incidents on the waterways.
Mr. Balogun, who is also the Managing Director of Tarzan Jetties and Maritime Enterprises, noted that criminal activities such as kidnapping and sea piracy were previously widespread but have significantly reduced due to improved security interventions.
He explained that past incidents, including kidnappings involving passengers and expatriates, discouraged many people from using water transport, thereby affecting business operations and investor confidence.
“This visit will create a very positive impact for our organisation. In the past, there were many criminal activities on the waterways, especially kidnapping and sea piracy, but the situation has improved significantly. With stronger support and equipment for Marine Police, we believe these crimes can be reduced further, if not completely eradicated,” he said.
Mr. Balogun also assured the police of the association’s readiness to support security operations whenever necessary, particularly by providing boats and logistics support when required for patrols, rescue operations, and emergency responses.
“Our operations cover major waterways across coastal communities, and whenever the police need support, especially boats for operations, we are always ready to assist within our capacity,” he added.
He further revealed that members of the association have been sensitized to adopt the “See Something, Say Something” approach by promptly reporting suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.
According to him, criminal elements do not operate within fixed timelines, as attacks can occur at any time of the day or night.
He cited past incidents along the Lekki corridor as examples of the unpredictable nature of waterway crime, stressing the importance of vigilance and quick communication with security authorities.
Representatives from state chapters of the association also spoke during the meeting, highlighting the importance of continued collaboration between operators and security agencies.
A representative from the Lagos State chapter noted that members have been consistently encouraged to comply with security guidelines and immediately alert authorities whenever suspicious activities are observed.
He affirmed that this coordinated effort has strengthened intelligence gathering and contributed to the reduction of criminal activities along major waterways.
Representatives present at the meeting included Hon. Laval Babatunde Saheed, Lagos State Chairman of ATBOWATON; Mr. Aroguade, Ogun State Chairman of ATBOWATON; and the National Secretary of ATBOWATON, Alhaji Kolade Adeshiyan, who represented the national leadership of the association.
Resolution reached at the end of the deliberations were that the national executives addressed issues affecting the association at the national level, while the state chairmen focused on security and operational challenges specific to their respective states.
The ATBOWATON leadership expressed confidence that strengthened collaboration with the police would restore public confidence in water transportation, attract more users to the waterways, and support the growth of tourism and marine transport businesses across Lagos and Ogun States.
They equally emphasized that sustained partnership between law enforcement agencies and industry stakeholders remains essential to ensuring safer waterways and promoting economic activities along Nigeria’s coastal corridors.
