By Adadainfo
The inspector general of police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, on Wednesday, granted requests made by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State aimed at assisting the state in tackling existing and emerging security challenges and consequently maintaining Enugu’s enviable status as one of the most peaceful and safest states in Nigeria.
Governor Ugwuanyi had in his address during the inauguration of the 76 Police Mobile Force Squadron, Ekwegbe, in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area constructed by his administration, requested IGP Baba, who performed the function, to deploy Special Forces of the Nigeria Police Force to Enugu State to help in tackling security challenges in the state.
The governor also requested the deployment of more units to No. 76 Police Mobile Force to enhance its manpower base and make it more formidable.
Governor Ugwuanyi equally appealed to the IGP to release back to base, operatives of No. 3 Police Mobile Force who are on special duty in other parts of the country, stressing that “this will further strengthen its manpower base and improve its crime fighting capability.”
The governor went further to request provision of additional Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC), bulletproof vests, helmets and other protective equipment to help police operatives in the state to confront and contain unrepentant criminal elements.
He urged the chief to consider the need for the establishment and equipping of a drone section, adding that it would aid the police in combating crimes, especially those perpetrated in areas with difficult policing terrains.
Governor Ugwuanyi, who maintained that his administration is conscious of its primary purpose of ensuring the security and welfare of the people as enshrined in section 14 sub-section 2(b) of Nigeria’s constitution (as amended), said it had continued to encourage the security agencies in the state, particularly the police force, in their onerous task of providing security.
The governor explained that the newly constructed 76 Mobile Police Force Squadron is one of the several interventions his administration has made to improve the security of lives and property of all residents as well as visitors in the state.
He revealed that his administration had in the past executed and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force, Enugu State Command, the construction of main access roads, internal roads and car parking lot at No. 3 Police Mobile Force Squadron, Agbani Road, Enugu; installation of All-in-One 80 watts solar-powered lightings in all Divisional Police Stations in Enugu State; construction and furnishing of new Divisional Police Station at Orba and Emene; and provision of logistics support including operational vehicles and communication equipment.
Describing the inauguration of the 76 Police Mobile Force Squadron as a fulfilling moment for him “given the quantum of our investment in this project, the attendant enhancement of the state’s security architecture and its prospects for improved security of life and property in the state,” Governor Ugwuanyi commended the project contractor, Bonez Construction and Engineering Services Limited, for the timely completion of the facility, as well as the staff of the state’s Ministry of Works and Infrastructure for their effective supervision of the project.
IGP Baba expressed appreciation to Governor Ugwuanyi for the laudable project, which he said, provides the Police Force with a conducive working environment to discharge its duties effectively.
He expressed delight at the standard facilities provided at the Squadron for the men and officers of the Nigeria Police Force to discharge their duties accordingly, saying that they are “better facilities.”
He said, “I will give you body armours and helmets; above all, I will give you one APC (Armoured Personnel Carriers). These things will be available for collection immediately after the Christmas break.
“We just established the drone section and we are battling to make it work. As soon as we have been able to establish the one in the headquarters effectively, we will see how we can decentralise and if am on this seat, Enugu will be the first place to be considered.”
