President Muhammadu Buhari has presented new security equipment and assets procured by the Lagos State Government to security agencies in the State.
The equipment are; One Hundred and Fifty Double Cabin Vehicles; Thirty Saloon Patrol Vehicles,
One Thousand Ballistic Vests; One Thousand Ballistic Helmets; One Thousand Handheld Police Radios/Walkie Talkies; One Hundred (100) Security Patrol Bikes.
Others are Two Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs), Four High Capacity Troop Carriers; Two Anti-Riot Water Cannon Vehicles Office/Command Furniture and other Ancillary Support Resources.
Handing over the items at the Police College in Ikeja, President Buhari commended the Lagos State Government for the laudable effort, noting that it would go a long way in boosting the morale of the Police, and further enhance their capacity to fight crime and combat criminality.
The President described the gesture as touching in the light of the unwarranted violence that ensued in the wake of the ENDSARS protests last October, which saw the security architecture in Lagos state being severely impacted.
President Buhari promised that the Federal Government would continue to support laudable initiatives stop towards protecting and securing the lives of Nigerians.
President Buhari stated that ” We will act firmly and decisively against any and all persons fomenting or carrying out attacks on our Police Force and other security personnel. As Commander-in-chief, my primary responsibility remains the security of the country and the safety of all citizens. Despite the many challenges we are facing, I want Nigerians to be rest assured that we will secure this country. We will secure our infrastructure, our highways, our communities, and our forests, and we will secure the lives of our people”.
The President who reiterated his directive to security agencies, to shoot any person or persons found illegally wielding AK-47s and other assault weapons remained in place, urged other State governments and stakeholders to emulate the Lagos in boosting security architecture.
“Once again, let me commend Lagos State for what you are doing in the areas of reinforcement and support for the security agencies in the State. Let me also commend all of the private sector partners who have risen up to the challenge and partnered wonderfully with the State Government in its ongoing battle to quell the upsurge of crime and insecurity in the state. It is my hope that this public/private sector partnership will be an example to others to demonstrate similar acts of generosity and responsibility” President Buhari stated.
In his keynote address, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu explained that the items were procured by the State Security Trust Fund, LSSTF, a platform for mobilizing private sector financing and support to equip law enforcement agencies.
Governor Sanwo-Olu warned criminals to leave Lagos state, promised that the state government would always provide the Police and other security agencies with additional equipment and logistics and to salute and celebrate their courage and dedication in securing lives and property.
He lauded President Buhari’s presence at the occasion and appealed to the Security Personnel to make judicious use of the equipment.
RN