Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari, was on ground at the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Headquarters, Abuja, on Monday, to commission a wide assortment of operational assets acquired by the Nigeria Police Force for improved strategic and tactical operational deployments, particularly in light of the upcoming 2023 General Elections.
According to the statement released by the Force Spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi while the equipment includes operational vehicles, crowd control and anti-riot gadgets, and high capacity desktop and laptop computers.
Stated further that these equipment acquired to ensure proper enforcement of electoral laws and seamless electioneering process and stabilizing the public space before, during, and after the general elections
And for the purpose of enhancing the capacity of the NPF to manage civil disorder in line with acceptable national legal framework and global law enforcement protocols.
The President during the commission, commended the efforts of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, in advancing commitment of his administration to a reformed, modernized, fully equipped, highly motivated and citizens’ focused Police Force.
Adding that the Police Force is re-oriented to the virtues of professionalism, respect for the rule of law, due process, operational efficiency and best international practices in policing the nation.
The full equipment commissioned includes a total of 127 operational vehicles such as Toyota Hilux Pick Up vans, Zahab Classic Pick Up vans, Mikano Rich-6 Pick Up vans.
Anti-Riot Water Cannons, Armored Personnel Carriers, Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Jeeps, Toyota Coaster Buses, Toyota Hiace Ambulances, Mikano Trucks, and Crowd Control Barriers Vehicles.
Similarly, a large catchment of arms, ammunition, riot control agents such as tear gas, tasers, stun guns, pepper sprays, bulletproof vests, helmets, and personal protective equipment procured by the Police Force was also commissioned by the President.
In the quest to achieve an ideal environment for safe, secured and credible 2023 General Elections, the IGP Baba met with the Strategic Managers of the Nigeria Police Force comprising Deputy Inspectors- General of Police.
And other members of the Force Management Team, Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioners of Police across the nation at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.
The Conference, which is the first for year 2023, is targeted at reviewing the internal security of the country and reassess the NPF’s strategies towards the imminent 2023 General Elections.
The Inspector-General of Police tasked the Strategic Police Managers to safeguard the public space for the elections in active synergy with other security agencies.
While charging them to make certain that quasi-security outfits created and owned by state governments are precluded from the election duty.
He stressed that national security interest overrides personal interest and as such, in line with the directives of Mr. President, the election shall be policed in a civil manner with full compliance with the rule of law.
The IGP also warned all officers to remain apolitical in ensuring free, fair and credible elections.