Ports Authority Police Refutes Crime Statistics Report,As NPCC Dissociates Self From Report
Ports Authority Police Refutes Crime Statistics Report,As NPCC Dissociates Self From Report
By Frank Odinukaeze
The Ports Authority Police (Western) Command, led by Commissioner of Police Olanrewaju Olawale Ishola, has issued a statement refuting claims made in a recent Daily Trust publication. The article, dated August 6, 2024, by Eugene Agha, alleged that facilities of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) valued at N141 million were destroyed at the Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports, with thefts amounting to N102.9 million, of which only N10.013 million was recovered.
The Command clarified that the report referenced in the publication was presented at the Nigerian Ports Consultative Council’s second quarterly meeting on July 23, 2024, by Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations, Ibrahim Abdul. The Command emphasized that the publication’s headline did not accurately reflect the content of the submitted report.
The Command further explained that many of the reported incidents did not occur within the port complexes. These included cases of container diversion after release from the ports, forged documents used by clearing agents, and theft of empty containers after delivery outside the ports. The Command stressed that such sensitive security disclosures are typically not shared with the press to avoid misrepresentation.
Commissioner Ishola noted that the areas under the Command’s responsibility have remained relatively calm during the review period. He expressed appreciation for the media’s support in combating crime and urged journalists to seek clarification on unclear issues to prevent vague and potentially misleading reports.
ASP Isaac Hundeyin, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Ports Authority Police (Western) Command, reiterated the Command’s commitment to transparency and accurate reporting.
Meanwhile the Nigerian Port Consultative Council,NPCC,who convened the said Second Quarterly Meeting,has equally debunked the claims as reported by Daily Trust.
The Chairman to the Council,Mr.Bolaji Sunmola, in a statement noted that the Council held Second Quarterly Meeting,and not ” First Quarterly Meeting”,as reported by Daily Trust.He said the Council greatly dissociate itself from the misleading report by the Daily Trust, adding that it is always good to cross check facts before publication.He however appreciated the media for their support and efforts at making the port environment crime free,through their timeless reportage .
