Fashola Hands Over Additional 10 Armoured Personnel Carriers To State Police Command
Feb 23, 2010 - Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) on Tuesday further tightened the noose around criminals in the State as he handed over ten Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) donated by all the 57 Local Government Councils and Development Areas to the State Police Command.
According to Governor Fashola who spoke at the open grounds of the Lagos House, Ikeja venue of the handing over, eight would be deployed as strategic support to each of the eight Area Commands across the State while two would be maintained as complimentary back up fleet.
He thanked the Chairmen for the most important gesture and investment that will help decentralize the reach and response efficiency of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) across the State.
He explained that government recognizes that the state’s investment in crime prevention must never diminish in order to retain the capacity to deter law breakers and protect law abiding citizens.
He added that the partnership with the private sector through the Lagos State Security Trust Fund has been most impactful and has brought on a new partnership with Local Government and Local Council Development Areas who have invested yet again in the purchase of the Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) to complement its efforts.
He expressed the belief that the investment tallies with the philosophy that peace, security and prosperity in each Local Government means peace, security and prosperity across the State.
While formally welcoming the new Assistant Inspector of General of Police in charge of Zone 2 Azubuko Udah, he said he was inheriting a highly motivated force that is rewarded for effort and led by an inspirational Commissioner of Police.
He urged the Policemen to treat its citizens and tax payers who pay for the equipment with the utmost courtesy, adding that the uniforms, patrol vehicles and guns must be symbols of relief and safety for all law abiding citizens and symbol of fear for law breakers.
Governor Fashola also quoted some print media reports with the audience about the successes of the Lagos State Police Command in terms of its renewed image, efficiency and increasing public acceptance.
He added: “Our job is not finished, but you must demonstrate that if you have the right equipment, you can compete against the best from anywhere”.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Security Trust Fund, Chief Remi Makanjuola said the deployment of the APCs represents another bold statement by the Lagos State Government to secure the life and property of its residents.
He said the APC has been of tremendous benefit to the people as it once assisted the Police in foiling an attempt by bandits to rob a commercial bank of substantial amounts of money on the Lagos Island.