By Longtong Ibrahim
Kaduna (Nigeria) – In an effort to further strengthen the security level in Northern Nigeria, the Kaduna state government has given out 107 security patrol vehicles and 230 bullet proof vest to security agencies for security patrol and combating crimes across the state.
Kaduna state governor, Nasir El-Rufai during the commissioning ceremony at the Sir Ibrahim Kashim house, Tuesday, said the provision of the vehicles was aimed at enhancing the security level of the state, as it is the government responsibility to protect lives and properties of its citizenry.
El-Rufai noted that the government and the security agencies as well as the North-western governments have collaborated to ensure the effectiveness of the security agencies through provision of funds to flush out criminalities and security threats within the states.
He appealed to the inspector General of Police to deploy 7000 more police officers to the state so as to reduce crimes to the barest minimum. He said, “We need more security in Kaduna. We have slightly above 13,000 police officers. We are therefore appealing to the IG to consider sending 7000 more police to Kaduna; we hope also that during the recruitment, five percent would be recruited from Kaduna.”
The governor further thanked the security agencies for their responsiveness in handling security issues in the state, while urging members of the public to remain vigilant.
In his remarks, the Inspector General of police, Solomon Arase, said any nation desirous of securing its citizens must as a matter of necessity enhance the capacity of security agencies as been demonstrated by governor El-Rufai.
He added that, “I can assure you that the huge investment in procurement of this security item will be effectively used. With this gesture, you have assured us that you are indeed committed to the security of Kaduna state.
“You have demonstrated symbol of exceptional leadership and we are assuring the good people of the state that to whom much is given, much is expected.”
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Commander of the Nigeria Navy school, Kachia, Abayomi Aborisade, stated that with the distribution of the vehicles, crimes rate which is already minimal would be reduce to zero level while the vehicles would be use for the purpose it is meant for.
Nine security agencies benefited from the patrol vehicles distributed; they include: Police – 55, Army – 10, Air force – 7, Navy – 2, NCDSC – 15, NDLEA – 2, DSS – 5, Operation Yaki (internal security operation) – 7, and State Security Committee (traditional rulers) – 4.
