Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has petitioned the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of the Marine Police Headquarters, Musa Yusuf Garba, over what they describe as indiscriminate interception and extortion by officers of the Zone 2 Police Headquarters, Onikan, Lagos.
In a letter dated March 7, 2025, titled “A Case of Incessant and Indiscriminate Interception and Subsequent Arrest of Containers by Officers and Men of Zone 2 Police Headquarters, Onikan Lagos,” NAGAFF National Coordinator of the 100% Compliance Team, Hon. Ibrahim Tanko, urged AIG Garba to intervene and put an end to what the group called an illegal practice.
The letter, which was also copied to other security agencies, accused Zone 2 officers of intercepting and arresting containers already cleared by the Nigeria Customs Service and other relevant authorities.
NAGAFF noted that it had previously protested against similar actions by Zone 2 officers, describing the situation as a hindrance to trade facilitation.
“Sir, we want to respectfully inform you that these practices, which we firmly believe are illegal, are clogging and impeding the timely clearance of containers from the port,”
“We therefore humbly implore you to use your good office to liaise with AIG Zone 2 to put an end to this practice as soon as practicable,” the letter read.
The association further referenced a prior assurance from former AIG Augustina Ogbodo, who stated that a directive existed barring any police unit other than the Marine Police from interfering in maritime-related activities unless formally invited.
NAGAFF also alleged that its members are often extorted, with demands reaching as high as ₦1 million per container during these interceptions.
“In view of the above, we respectfully urge you to call Zone 2 officers and men to order and save the port from imminent restiveness that may paralyze business activities and cause economic losses to government revenue,” the letter warned, adding that failure to act could lead to protests and a possible shutdown of seaport operations.