Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Mohammed Ari Ali during his visit the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) Headquarters in Apapa, Lagos, on October 10, 2023, received a warm welcome emphasized the importance of community policing adding that it encourages cooperation between the police and the public, while assuring NAGAFF members of his continue partnership and support. This visit marked a positive step in enhancing collaboration between the police and NAGAFF, he added.
AIG Ali, who oversees Zone 2, urges Maritime Police focusing on national security rather than interfering with cargo clearance at ports. He further clarified that cargo clearance falls under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
AIG Ali stressed that though I am not in charge of Marine Police but police intervention should only occur when there is credible intelligence regarding the contents of containers already cleared by Customs. He expressed his commitment to addressing challenges faced by NAGAFF members and the public, emphasizing that he is a reliable ally.
AIG Ali also urged the public to resist any police officer attempting to search their phones without proper legal justification, reinforcing the importance of respecting citizens’ rights. He clarified that while the police have the authority to arrest, they do not have the right to search phones without a valid reason. Regarding the detention of suspects, AIG Ali affirmed that holding individuals for more than 24 hours without a court order is unlawful, with exceptions depending on the gravity of the offense. He encouraged cooperation between the police and the public for the benefit of everyone’s security.
Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, the Founder of NAGAFF, expressed his gratitude for AIG Ali’s visit, highlighting the importance of collaboration between the police and the public in ensuring security and progress. Dr continues that our relationship started from AIG Hassan Bala retd who handed over NAGAFF and its members over to Area B Police Command Apapa where Mohammed Ari Ali was incharged as a Divisional Police Officer then now as Assistant Inspector General of Police has kept an eyes on us.
Dr. Aniebonam emphasized that NAGAFF has never been associated with criminal activities and that his friendship with AIG Mohammed is based on the need to do the right thing and uphold the law. During the event, freight forwarders and stakeholders raised concerns about impediments to trade facilitation, including unnecessary delays and interference with the clearing process. AIG Ali reiterated with assured that he would address these issues, particularly those outside his jurisdiction, by collaborating with the relevant authorities, such as the AIG in charge of such matters.Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, the National President of NAGAFF, praised AIG Ali’s role in fostering a harmonious relationship between the Nigerian Police Force and NAGAFF.
The occasion was attended by prominent figures from NAGAFF, including Chief Afam Chukwuma, Ibrahim Tanko, Chief Remi Ogungbemi, and others who voiced their challenges and expectations. The event celebrated the collaboration between the Nigerian Police and NAGAFF in enhancing security and trade facilitation.
