Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Friday handed over series of security equipment and vehicles to the State Police Command and the Rapid Response Squad, just as he charged them to ensure that the equipment are deployed effectively to tackle criminal activities as residents will no longer accept excuses.
The Governor who spoke at the official handing over of 100 4-Door Salon Cars, 55 Ford Ranger Pick-Ups, 10 Toyota Land Cruiser Pick-Ups, 15 BMW Power Bikes, 100 Power Bikes, Isuzu Trucks, three (3) Helicopters, two(2) Gun Boats, 15 Armoured Personnel Carriers, Revolving Lights, Siren and Public Address System, Vehicular Radio Communicators, Security Gadgets including Bullet Proof Vests, Helmets, Handcuffs, etc, Uniforms, Kits and Improved Insurance and Death Benefit Schemes for officers, put the total cost of acquiring the equipment to N4.765bn.
Some of the vehicles given to the police
He said with the new development, the Lagos State Police Command has been repositioned to compare to similar outfits in other modern City States, expressing optimism that the equipment will go a long way to aid security agencies respond faster to crime.
He said, “Our Police Command will have its operations significantly driven by the right technology and equipment that will match the emerging sophistication of crime in our contemporary time.”
Helicopter to fight crime in Lagos
“Members of the Police Command have been undergoing training to better equip them for the job. We have also re-branded the Rapid Response Squad of the State police Command to give them a new identity.”
“Given the encouraging partnership and support of well-meaning citizens and corporate organisations, we are on course to making our State a safe haven only for law abiding citizens.”
He however urged the officers of the State Police Command to ensure that the purpose for which the equipment was acquired is not defeated.
“We say to whom much is given, much is expected. Law enforcement officers are never ‘off duty’. They are dedicated public servants who are sworn to protect the public at any time and place. Lagosians will not accept excuses,” he said.
Governor Ambode also seized the occasion to call on President Muhammadu Buhari to further strengthen support for the state, noting that the security of the state reflects directly on the economic fortunes of Nigeria.
He also urged residents to play their part by volunteering useful information on suspected criminals and activities that might lead to the breach of security in our communities to the Police through the state emergency hotline 112.
President Buhari in his remarks commended Governor Ambode for his laudable role in prioritizing security and the purchase of the security equipment that would make the state safer and conducive for residents and citizens of the state.
The President who was represented by the Minister of Interior, Lt. Gen. Abdurrahman Dambazau, said the security equipment is a clear demonstration of the fulfillment of the Governor’s mantra to the people of the State.
“This is indeed a laudable achievement by Lagos State Government to improve the security of life and property of the people of Lagos State. I therefore salute the Governor of Lagos State for initiating this judicious use of public funds to protect Lagosians,” Buhari said.
The President who said that addressing security challenges calls for collaboration among critical stakeholders, especially elected government representatives, also enjoined other states to emulate the great strides of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode by supporting security agencies in their various states.
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