Ambode Presents Helicopters, Gunboats, Vehicles To Police To Improve Security In Lagos

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Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Friday, handed over series of security equipment and vehicles to the State Police Command and the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), charging them to ensure that the equipment are deployed effectively to tackle criminal activities in the state.

Over 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 and Kits were handed over to the Police to make them more effective in fighting crime. Insurance and Death Benefit Schemes for officers were also improved. The equipment cost Lagos State N4.765 billion.

“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,” said Ambode, who noted that the Lagos State Police Command has been repositioned to compare to similar outfits in other modern City States.

“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,” he added.

“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 used 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.

In his remarks, President Buhari, 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 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 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.

“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,” Arase told Ambode in appreciation.

“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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