Police in Lagos State gets crime fighting equipment

Police in Lagos State gets crime fighting equipment
Abdul Semiu Babalola, Lagos

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN (middle) presenting the Walkie Talkies/Batteries, Bullet Proof Jackets to the AIG Zone II, Mr. Sulaimon Fakai representing the IG, Mr. Hafiz Ringim (right) and the Commander RRS Ikeja, Mr. Akeem Odunmosu (2nd right) during the handing over of the Armored Personnel Carrier (APCs), Patrol Vehicles, RRS Mobile Workshop, Walkie Talkies/Batteries, Bullet Proof Jackets and presentation of newly trained RRS drivers at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Tuesday, October 25, 2011. With them are: Deputy Governor, Hon (Mrs.) Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire (2nd left) and the Lagos State Commissioner for Police, Mr. Yakub Alkali (left)

Security equipment worth millions of naira has been donated to the Lagos Police Command to fight crimes.

Speaking during the presentation, Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, said the equipment which includes, 50 new patrol vans, 10 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and 200 bullet proof vests were meant to improve on the security situation in the commercial city.

Others include, a mobile workshop, 100 walkie talkie and 300 newly trained Police drivers.

He explained that the equipment were procured with the special supplementary appropriation, pointing out that the security trust fund was set up to provide additional sources of funding to combat crimes.               

Call for private sector partnership

The Governor while calling for more commitment and partnership with the private sector said the administration was committed to security because it is the most critical infrastructure that must be provided for business and economy to thrive.

“This is at least a reinforcement of the innovative thinking of this Government to set up the State Security Trust Fund which has radically improved the capacity of the Police to secure Lagos State.

“Year on year, since 2007, we have remained true to the commitment we made to improve security in the State by continuously investing in the welfare of security personnel and renewing and replacing their equipment and vehicles which depreciate by daily wear and tear,” Governor Fashola said.

He commended the leadership of all the various Commanders of other agencies on the State Security Committee acting to prevent crime and apprehending criminals in the State.

Governor Fashola cautioned the newly trained Rapid Response Squad drivers to be mindful that the vehicles were assets they hold in trust for the people as they are procured with tax payer’s money.

He said they should remember that the vehicles were for their safe keeping and constitute their offices because without the patrol vehicles they would have no jobs.

Governor Fashola also warned the Policemen against brutalizing the citizens and members of the public .He urged them to show courtesy while the members of the public should also reciprocate it by showing respect to the Policemen.

The Executive Secretary of the State Security Trust Fund, Mr Fola Arthur –Worrey, called for more contributions from both the private organisations and individuals to enhance the fighting of crime in the highly populated commercial city. 

Commendable initiative

He said that the funding model adopted by the State Security Trust Fund was attracting the attention of other states, which he said were understudying the initiative

Also speaking the Inspector General of Police, Mr Hafiz Ringim, commended the Lagos state government for the gesture, stressing that the equipment would boost the morale of the police and enhance security.

The Police IG who was represented by the Assistant Inspector General of Police Zone Two, Mr   Fakai Sulaimon, urged the Policemen not to breach the confidence reposed in them by ensuring that they adhere strictly to the rules guiding the Police Force.

He described the efforts of the Lagos State Governor as a model of community policing as it is using the modern equipments to fight crime and also providing jobs through the employment of 300 spy personnel as drivers for the patrol vehicles.

Williams