22nd September, 2010
About 30 hoodlums have been arrested by the Nigeria Ports Authority, NPA, Police Command Apapa, Lagos State, Nigeria, the Port Commissioner of Police, CP, Hilary Opara has disclosed.
The hoodlums, popularly referred to as ‘wharf rats’ and fake agents, were arrested for stealing and also impersonating port agents. According to Opara the arrest has stemmed the tide of stealing and other crimes at the Port and the people are now going about their normal duties without fear or disturbance.
He said there are plans to put in place modern technology that will detect radiation at the Port.
“Community Policing is very important; it helps to bring out and expose the criminals because we act on useful information from the members of the Public,” Opara stated.
Commenting on the allegation that a mobile policeman assaulted a lady at the Port, Opara said the culprit was only contacted by some people to come to the Port. “Our police officers in the Port are trained specially for the job, they don’t misbehave. I can assure you that the police officer in question is presently undergoing due punishment.
He urged members of the public who visit the Port on one business or the other to lodge any complaint they have at the Port Police Station, stressing that the Lagos State Ports Authority operates a full Police Command.