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 (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.
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.
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.
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.
He
however called on men of the Lagos State Police Command to ensure that the
equipment is preserved through diligent maintenance culture 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 by the State Government,
Governor Ambode has shown that beyond his widely acknowledged commitment to the
security wellbeing and welfare of the people, he is determined to prioritize
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.
The
police boss, who acknowledged that Governor Ambode has been consistently
motivating security agencies in the State, said the Governor deserved to be
commended for remaining a strong executive pillar for which the security
architecture of Lagos could confidently rest.
While
appreciating Governor Ambode, 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 hand-in-hand as security agents to advance your
vision for a safe and secured Lagos State, you, as the Chief Security Officer
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 whom much is given, much is
expected,” Arase said.
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