Lagos State Commandant launches Speedboat, inaugurates Marine and Infrastructure Protection Unit to combat illegal dredging under bridges, excavation, encroachment, and non-compliance.
The Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency Engineer Dave Umahi, in his magnanimity and unwavering commitment to supporting the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in its duty to safeguard vital public infrastructure, has donated one (1) speedboat to the Marine and Infrastructure Protection Unit of the Lagos State Command.
The NSCDC Lagos State Command has today, Thursday, 20th November, 2025 immediately implemented the directive of the Commandant General, NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, PhD., mni, OFR, to all Commands to implement the resolutions of the Office of the National Security Adviser’s ( ONSA ) meeting on collaboration with stakeholders such as National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and the Federal Ministry of Works (FMW) with the aim to protect Critical National Infrastructure in the state.
The Lagos State Commandant sincerely appreciated the Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Engineer Dave Umahi, for his support towards helping the Corps to fulfil its statutory mandate, especially in Lagos State. He mentioned that the donation of the speedboat to help monitor activities on the marine corridor in Lagos is a morale booster for our gallant men, who have been dislodging the activities of unscrupulous elements under the bridges.
The State Commandant, NSCDC, Lagos State Command, Mr Keshinro Adedotun, in line with the Commandant General’s directive, commissioned the new speedboat donated by the Federal Ministry of Works to the Marine and Infrastructure Protection Unit of the Command today, Thursday.
He also thanked the former Federal Controller of Works, Lagos, Engr (Mrs ) O.I. Kesha, for her assiduous efforts in ensuring that the Corps receives all the necessary logistical support it requires to ensure the protection of the integrity of the Third Mainland Bridge, other Federal bridges and Critical National Infrastructure in Lagos State.
The Lagos State Commandant also inaugurated the Marine and Infrastructure Protection Unit and its Commander, Assistant Commandant of Corps, Oloyede Emmanuel Ige.
The Commander, Marine and Infrastructure Protection Unit, ACC Oloyede Ige seized the opportunity to extend his profound appreciation to the Honourable Minister of Works, Commandant General of NSCDC and the Lagos State Commandant for his appointment to take up this new challenge of ensuring an enhanced monitoring and patrolling of activities under the bridges in a bid to ensure adequate integrity and protection.
The Marine and Infrastructure Protection Unit will undoubtedly enhance security measures aimed at protecting and safeguarding critical bridge infrastructure against vandalism and threats, such as illegal dredging, excavation, and encroachments on the Critical National Infrastructure in the state.
The Speed Boat no doubt will help to curb illegal and unauthorised dredging that often leads to the collapse of bridges, with the tendency of crippling the state and the nation’s economy at large.
While addressing the news media at the launching of the Marine and Infrastructure Protection Unit today, the Lagos State Commandant charged licensed dredgers to remain compliant with the law while carrying out their activities. He also issued very serious warnings to unrepentant perpetrators who engage in illegal dredging, encroachment, and excavation, advising them to desist from the act and be prepared to face the full wrath of the law if caught.
