The Kwara State Government has presented vehicles and operational materials to the State Command of the Nigeria Police to combat crime and other related social vices in the State.

This is in response to the recent wave of criminal activities in some parts of the State.

Speaking at the ceremony, the State Governor, Dr Bukola Saraki, who congratulated the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Ogbonna Onovo (OON), on the achievements recorded so far, assured that government would continue to provide enabling logistics support for the police command to fight crime.

Among items presented to the Police Command to enhance its performance included 20 Toyota Hilux Pick up vans, 3 Toyota corolla salon cars, 100 walkie talkies, 120 motorcycles, 400 pieces of torch lights and bullet proof vests.

Governor Saraki described the presentation as another giant stride of his administration’s effort at equipping the police to be alive to their responsibilities to ensure peace and development in the State.

He explained that the issue of security had been one of the cardinal goals of his administration since he assumed the mantle of leadership about seven years ago, owing to what the situation was in the State prior to 2003.

While calling on Local Government Chairmen in the State to emulate the gesture in their respective councils, Dr Saraki admonished the security agencies to live up to their professional calling.   

He expressed hope that the operational supports given to the police command would be put into judicious use with a view to further lifting the State up and sustaining the current tempo of peace prevailing in the State.        

Earlier in his remarks, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Ogbonna Onovo had expressed appreciation to Governor Saraki for his immeasurable support to the State Command in the onerous task of effective policing, law enforcement and crime management in the country.

“Let me start by thanking His Excellency, Dr. Bukola Saraki, the Executive Governor of Kwara State for this uncommon act of magnanimity by donating security equipment to the Nigeria Police,” the IGP said.

The Police boss, who identified lack of logistics for police operation, uncooperative attitude and mutual distrust between the people and the police as militating factors to the optimal performance of the police, said these are fast becoming history today with supports from the Federal and State Governments as well as the organized private sector.

The Nigeria Police, Onovo said, cannot alone ensure adequate internal security without the corresponding cooperation and support of the people, describing the gesture of the Kwara State Government as commendable and worthy of emulation.

Mas’ud Adebimpe

Chief Press Secretary to the Kwara State Governor

11/02/10