President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday inaugurated security equipment valued at N4.765 billion for the Lagos State Police Command with a call to the state governments to collaborate with the Federal Government in the fight against terrorism and tackling other security challenges in the country.
Also, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has charged the police and other security agencies in the state to intensify their efforts at securing lives and properties in the state, saying Lagosians would no longer accept excuses for robberies and crimes. The event which also featured the unveiling of the new logo and brand for the Rapid Respond Square (RRS) had many dignitaries which include the state and federal lawmakers, traditional rulers, politicians and market women and men in attendance.
Items donated at the ceremony include: 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 helicopters, two gunboats, 15 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC), revolving lights, siren and Public Address System (PAS), vehicular radio communicators, security gadgets, including bullet proof vests. Others were:
helmets, handcuffs, uniforms, kits and improved Insurance and death benefit schemes for officers. President Buhari who was represented by the Minister of Interior, Lt. Gen. Abdurrahman Dambazau (rtd), commended Ambode for procuring the security equipment, insisting that the gesture would make the state safer and conducive for residents of the state.
He, therefore, urged other state governments to emulate Lagos State by collaborating with the Federal Government to nip crime in the bud. He said: “Nigeria is currently witnessing various security challenges ranging from terrorism, separatist movement, kidnapping, militancy, armed robbery, et cetera.
Emphasising the need for collaboration among critical stakeholders, especially elected government representatives in tackling security challenges, President Buhari called on the men of the state police command to justify the huge resources expended on the equipment by ensuring a secure and safer Lagos.
Noting that the state recently experienced armed robbery and other sundry crimes, the President said with the intervention, residents could go to bed with their two eyes closed. “I, therefore, call on our teeming youths to shun acts that are inimical to peace and stability in our nation.
Lagos State Government has risen to the occasion by assisting the Nigeria Police with the wherewithal to curb crimes within its domain. “Our vision is to ensure that the security forces are given the best we can offer. In this regard, particular attention will be on the equipment, training, logistics and welfare of our personnel in line with international best practice.’’
On his part, Ambode charged the police to reciprocate the gesture by making Lagos “a no-go area” for armed robbers. The governor said with the new development, the state police command had been repositioned to compare to similar outfits in other modern city states.
He expressed optimism that the equipment will go a long way to aid security agencies respond faster to crime. The governor added: “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.
“Members of the police command have been undergoing training to better equip them for the job. We have also rebranded the RRS 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.”
Earlier in his address, the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, said with the huge investment in security equipment donated to the police by the state government, Ambode had shown that beyond his widely acknowledged commitment to the security, wellbeing and welfare of the people, he was determined to prioritise security. Arase said the gesture was a clear demonstration of the political will and clear vision to rebrand, reequip and re-energise the security architecture in a manner that would motivate security personnel to operate optimally and remain a step ahead of criminal elements.
The IGP said the governor deserved to be commended for remaining a strong executive pillar for which the security architecture of Lagos could confidently rest. Arase said: “I can assure you that the huge investment will not be in vain. For by this gesture, you have motivated us and assured us that as we work handin- hand as security agents to advance your vision for a safe and secured Lagos State, you, as the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of Lagos State, will be by us, meet our needs and give us the executive leverage needed to succeed. “You have challenged us by this gesture and I can confidently assure your Excellency that we shall not fail you as we appreciate that to who much is given, much is expected.”
