Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, on Friday handed over security equipment and vehicles to the State Police Command and the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), just as he charged them to ensure that the equipment are deployed effectively to tackle criminal activities as residents will no longer accept excuses.
Ambode put the total cost of acquiring 100 four-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 gun boats, 15 armoured personnel carriers, revolving lights, siren and public address system, vehicular radio communicators, security gadgets including bullet proof vests, helmets, handcuffs, uniforms, kits and improved insurance and death benefit schemes for officers at N4.765bn.
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.
“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 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,” the governor said.
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 through the state emergency hotline 112.
In his remarks, Buhari, who was represented by the Minister of Interior, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, commended Ambode for his laudable role in prioritising 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 said the security equipment is a clear demonstration of the fulfilment of the governor’s promise 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.
He called on men of the Lagos State Police Command to ensure that the equipment is preserved through diligent maintenance in order to justify the huge resources expended.
Speaking earlier, the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, said with the huge investment in security equipment donated to the police, Ambode has shown that he is determined to prioritise security.
Arase said the gesture was a clear demonstration of political will and clear vision to rebrand, re-equip and re-energize the security architecture in a manner that will motivate security personnel to operate optimally and remain step ahead of criminal elements in the battle to re-assure citizens of security and safety.
