GSS: Bibopere Ajube and Nigeria's Coastal Security Model

Daftar Isi

The Stories Woven in the Creeks of the Niger Delta

The waterways of the Niger Delta are more than just natural passages; they are living archives of history, culture, and resilience. These creeks have witnessed countless stories—some passed down through generations of fishermen who navigate them at dawn, others carried by traders who know every bend of the river. For those who have lived long enough, these corridors between Ondo, Edo, and Lagos have transformed from simple routes into contested spaces filled with both opportunity and danger.

Securing such an environment is no easy task. It requires more than the presence of patrol boats or uniforms. It demands a deep understanding of the terrain, the people who use it, and the subtle signs that can predict trouble before it becomes visible. This is where Senior High Chief Bibopere Ajube began his journey, laying the foundation for what would become Gallery Security Services Limited (GSS).

A Leader Shaped by the Water

Ajube’s leadership did not start with a title or position. It began with presence. Over the years, he immersed himself in the rhythm of the water, learning the habits of those who traveled through the region and recognizing the warning signs that often go unnoticed. His connection to the creeks was not just professional—it was personal. He became someone the communities trusted, and this trust became the cornerstone of GSS's strength.

In many coastal communities, trust is the key to opening doors and initiating conversations. It is what allows people to speak when silence might be safer. Ajube earned this trust long before GSS expanded into its current form. His legitimacy came from being part of the landscape, not just an outsider imposing order.

Building a Model of Coastal Security

From this foundation, GSS developed a model of coastal security rooted in steady, disciplined presence. Patrols may not always be dramatic, but they create a constant pressure that deters criminal activity. Surveillance, though often unglamorous, plays a crucial role in shaping the direction of operations. Over time, GSS built strong relationships with the Navy, Police, DSS, and other agencies. These partnerships were not formed through formal meetings alone but through shared experiences, mutual risks, and a practical understanding of the importance of cooperation.

One notable example of this network in action was the weapons recovery following a major bank robbery in Ondo State. After the attackers fled into the waterways with stolen rifles, security agencies turned to GSS because of their deep knowledge of the terrain. Within 48 hours, the weapons were recovered. The success of the operation relied on a combination of local knowledge, understanding of criminal patterns, and a well-established chain of collaboration that had developed over years.

Investing in the Future

GSS also recognized the importance of investing in the youth. Ajube understood that vulnerable communities often struggle when young people lack direction. Through Bradama International Skills, hundreds of young men were trained in vocational skills such as welding, fabrication, and engine repair. Some now work within GSS, while others contribute independently across coastal states. This approach created a bridge between security and livelihood, reducing the number of young people drawn into criminal networks and fostering a sense of responsibility within the communities.

Celebrating Growth and Commitment

The 13th anniversary of GSS highlighted these values. The Youth in Coastal Defence Summit brought together over a thousand young people to discuss their role in creating safer waterways. A medical outreach program reached more than 500 residents, emphasizing that security includes more than just patrols—it involves presence and wellbeing. Honors were also awarded to fallen personnel, acknowledging the sacrifices made during operations that often go unnoticed.

After thirteen years, GSS has evolved into a functioning model of security. It is based on community intelligence, long-term cooperation with agencies, disciplined fieldwork, and consistent investment in local youth. This model is not built on spectacle but on the slow, deliberate work of showing up, listening, responding, and staying the course. Its success is evident in the gradual decline of violent incidents along the corridor.

A Lesson for the Future

As Nigeria continues to develop its coastal infrastructure and prepares for a future where inland waterways play a vital role in national commerce, models like GSS will become even more important. They demonstrate that security can emerge from within communities, guided by leaders who understand the terrain and institutions that adapt with their environment.

The story of GSS is more than a regional achievement. It is a lesson in what long-term commitment, patience, and rooted leadership can accomplish in a challenging landscape. In the creeks where the water meets mangrove roots and the current carries the memory of those who have passed, a model of coastal security has taken shape. It was not created by chance—it was built through years of dedicated work led by someone who believed in the potential for stability in these waters. This model is worth studying as Nigeria faces the pressing need to secure the spaces where land ends and the wider economy begins.