Lagos CP Rates Ports Crime Low

Posted by African Examiner Crime Watch, Latest Headlines, News Tuesday, June 10th, 2014

THE Commissioner of Police, in charge of Apapa Ports Operations Lagos, Mr Kayode Aderanti, announced on Tuesday that there was significant reduction in the reported criminals ‘port rats’ activities at the ports’ various terminals.

Aderanti told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the ports police had adopted various measures to curb criminality in the vicinity.

“The issue of port rats seems to have gone down drastically. We have been taking a lot of proactive steps to nip the problem in the bud. If the rats are no longer there, definitely the port will be free from all these cankerworms. We believe that they are irritants and we have done things to sanitize the port,’’ Aderanti said.

The commissioner added to sustain the sanity, only those who have genuine business at the port would be allowed into the ports vicinity. He disclosed the “port is not a `Jankara market’, it is meant for people that transact special businesses. The fact that you are a clearing agent does not give you the freedom to go in and out of the port”.

CP Aderanti warned that the period when people merely hang around the Customs area under the guise that they are customs agents or freight forwarders was over.

He revealed “In the past three or four weeks, I have been able to meet with chief security officers, clearing bodies, labour unions and customs within the ports. Also stated “ I have been able to sensitize them on the ways I want to approach these issues in a proactive manner…”

He added that he would soon begin to acquaint with other ports stakeholders among whom are the terminal operators, managing directors and shipping lines.