The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Alkali Baba Usman, continues the commissioning of vehicle and equipment donated by governments to the Nigeria Police Force.
He commissioned 50 customized operational vehicles and 200 special motorcycles procured by the Plateau State Government to enhance the operational capacity of the Plateau State police and other security agencies in the State.
Speaking during the launching ceremony at the New Government House, Little Rayfield Jos recently, the Inspector General of Police said that the initiative of the State Government in procuring and donating the security assets will undoubtedly motivate security personnel to operate optimally and remain steps ahead of criminal elements and also improve peace and safety in the State.
The Police Boss noted that Plateau State presents a unique security challenge with constant threats being posed by bandits, herders, and other criminal elements fueled by arms trafficking and the proliferation of prohibited firearms.
“Just recently, a special Police Operational team monitored and successfully arrested a 7-man criminal syndicate with expertise in the local fabrication of AK47 rifles and ammunition. The syndicate whose local fabrication enclave was here in Jos, Plateau State where they were arrested, had been locally manufacturing assault rifles and ammunition which they had been supplying to bandits and other criminals in the state and beyond. Items recovered from them include eight locally fabricated AK47 rifles, eleven AK47 magazines, pistols, eight firearm butts, and a large cache of ammunition”.
The IGP who stated that any nation desirous of the security of its citizens must as a matter of necessity enhance the capacity of its security agencies assured the Governor of the unalloyed commitment of the force to discharge its constitutional duties effectively and efficiently while relying on government for more support.
Governor of Plateau State, Simon Bako Lalong said , as part of efforts to restore peace and tranquility to the State, his administration adopted a new approach by creating Peace Building Agencies to foster dialogue, forgiveness, dismantle barriers of peaceful coexistence as well as swift and decisive response to crimes and criminals.
His words: “ To a very large extent and without sounding immodest, we have made a giant stride in restoring peace in Plateau State by bringing down the level of insecurity and restoring the confidence of the citizens as well as attracting investors, visitors and tourists.”
The peak of the event was the cutting of the ceremonial tape, a short distance test drive of the operational vehicle, and the special motorcycle by the Police Chief.
In Lagos, the Lagos state government handed over 150 vehicles, four personell carriers, 30 patrol cars, and two anti-riot water cannon vehicles to the police. Lagos state Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the donation was to strengthen security operations in Lagos state. He added that the investment in the security gadgets was timely, following challenges in security operations occasioned by the violence that followed the EndSARS protests in 2020.
The equipments were commissioned by a delighted President Muhammadu Buhari, who lauded the support of the state for the Police in Lagos Police Command.
In Ogun, 55 patrol vehicles, 200 bullet proof vests, 20 helmets and communication gadgets.equipment were donated to the police. Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun state said the donation was represents his administration’s commitment to a safe environment for the people of the state.
IGP Alkali Baba received the donations with thanks. He said that no security outfit in the world could succeed without mobility and communication gadgets.
“Security is everybody’s business. We, therefore, appreciate you for making our jobs easier by giving us tools to work with, “ the IGP said.