NAGAFF PETITIONS IGP OVER ALLEGED EXTORTION, HARASSMENT BY MARITIME POLICE AT PORTS

 

NAGAFF Petitions IGP Over Alleged Extortion, Harassment by Maritime Police at Ports

The 100 Percent Compliance Team of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), seeking an investigation into alleged extortion, arbitrary container detention, intimidation and harassment by officers of the Maritime Police Command at Nigerian seaports.

In the petition dated August 14, 2026 and signed by the National Coordinator of the NAGAFF 100 Percent Compliance Team, Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko, the association alleged that the activities were obstructing trade facilitation and contributing to the rising cost of doing business in the maritime sector

Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko                                            National Coordinator, NAGAFF 100 Percent Compliance Team

The petition, titled “Petition Against Unlawful Maritime Police Conduct, Arbitrary Container Detention, Intimidation, Extortion and Harassment at Nigerian Seaports: A Call to Address Impediments to Trade Facilitation and the Rising Cost of Doing Business,” was addressed to the Inspector-General of Police at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

NAGAFF alleged that its members had, over time, reported and independently observed what it described as a recurring pattern of misconduct by officers of the Maritime Police Command around the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa, Tin-Can Island Port and other port locations, including bonded terminals.

According to the association, one of the alleged practices involves the issuance of container blockage letters to shipping lines and terminals through the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, followed by demands for money and subsequent issuance of release orders.

It further alleged that freight forwarders, drivers and agents were sometimes subjected to demands for money and other documents as a condition for the release or unhindered passage of cargo.

The compliance team also accused some Maritime Police officers of intimidation and harassment, including verbal abuse, threats, unlawful arrest and detention, seizure of documents and, in some instances, physical assault.

NAGAFF said the alleged activities were causing avoidable delays, port congestion and disruption of supply chains, while increasing the cost of doing business through demurrage and unofficial payments that are ultimately transferred to importers, exporters and consumers.  

The association argued that the alleged conduct was unlawful and actionable under several laws, including the Nigeria Police Act 2020, Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000, Nigerian Ports Authority Act 2000 and Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.

It also referenced the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business Executive Orders and National Action Plan on Business Environment Reforms, as well as constitutional provisions relating to dignity, personal liberty, freedom from discrimination and unlawful obstruction of legitimate business.

NAGAFF warned that the continued alleged activities could undermine Nigeria’s trade competitiveness, discourage investment in the maritime and logistics sector and erode public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.

The association therefore called on the IGP to order an immediate investigation into the allegations and direct the cessation of any unlawful container blockage, extortion, intimidation and harassment by Maritime Police officers at the affected ports.

It also requested the constitution of a joint task force comprising the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigerian Customs Service and NAGAFF to monitor and enforce lawful conduct at the ports.

The compliance team further urged the police authorities to identify officers found culpable and subject them to appropriate disciplinary action or criminal proceedings, where warranted.

NAGAFF also requested clear guidelines on the lawful scope of Maritime Police engagement at seaports and a clear delineation of the functions and jurisdictional boundaries of the Maritime Police and the Commissioner of Police, Ports.

The association stressed that it was not opposed to legitimate police operations at the ports, but insisted that such operations must be conducted within the law and should not turn legitimate cargo clearance processes into avenues for unlawful financial gains.

Tanko said NAGAFF was prepared to provide further particulars, documentary evidence and witness accounts to assist any investigation arising from the petition.

Copies of the petition were also sent to the National Security Adviser, Senate Committee on Customs, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Maritime Police, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Zone A, Commissioner of Police, Port Police, Director of the Department of State Services, Founder of NAGAFF and National President of NAGAFF.