The Marine Police is a specialized unit of the Nigeria Police Force with roots dating back to 1891 when it began as the “Night Water Patrol” in Lagos using wooden canoes for surveillance. It has since grown into a dedicated maritime policing formation responsible for law enforcement on Nigeria’s inland waterways, ports, harbors, and territorial coastal waters. Operating under the Force Operations Department, the unit addresses security threats unique to the aquatic environment, including piracy, smuggling, oil bunkering, illegal fishing, and waterborne crime, while supporting broader national security efforts along Nigeria’s extensive riverine and coastal networks.

In fulfilling its mandate, the Marine Police patrols navigable rivers (such as the Niger and Benue), creeks in the Niger Delta, and harbor areas; conducts search and rescue operations; enforces maritime laws; and collaborates with the Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Customs Service, and other agencies during joint operations. It prevents and investigates crimes on water, protects critical maritime infrastructure, and ensures safe movement of goods and passengers on inland waterways. The unit plays a vital complementary role to the Navy by focusing on policing functions within inland and port limits, contributing to the overall security of Nigeria’s blue economy and reducing threats from water-based criminal activities.