The Federal Government has given approval for the police to acquire 2,564 vehicles to enhance security operations during the forthcoming general elections in the country.
Vice President Namadi Sambo, who spoke while launching 263 patrol vehicles for the police at the Eagle Square, Abuja on Sunday appealed to party supporters to shun violence during the polls.
Sambo, who represented President Goodluck Jonathan, said the procurement of the vehicles was aimed at boosting the capacity of the Nigerian Police Force to deliver on its mandate effectively.
He said, “A well equipped and adequately motivated police force, will assist in no small measure in ensuring the security needed in the drive to economic growth and development of Nigeria.
“This is in view of the strong commitment of government to provide for the NPF within available resources, and it is my hope that the gesture by government will be reciprocated by assisting INEC in ensuring they conduct free and fair elections this month.
“It is also expected that the deployment of these operational vehicles will translate to enhanced surveillance of our communities in order to improve security.”
While further highlighting the efforts of government in enhancing peace and security of all Nigerians, Sambo emphasised the need for all citizens to see themselves as Nigerians and work for the unity of the country, despite their political leanings.
“I call on the politicians, the aspirants, their supporters and their sympathisers, to eschew all forms of violence and unlawful practices, both in words and conduct, before and after elections, let us eschew any form of violence, we should condemn any form of violence before, during and after elections. we should know that elections will come and go but Nigeria will remain as one nation and one people,” he said.
Speaking earlier, the Inspector-General of Police, Suleiman Abba, said approval for 2,564 operational vehicles was given by the President, but the first batch of the patrol cars comprising 170 Nissan NP300 hard body patrol pick-up vans, 129 Nissan Frontier
Double Cabin Patrol Vehicles, 50 Nissan Patrol 4WD Jeeps, 10 Toyota double cabin Armoured Patrol Vans and four Ford 550 model 4X4 state of the art Armoured Personnel Carriers were ready for commissioning.
Double Cabin Patrol Vehicles, 50 Nissan Patrol 4WD Jeeps, 10 Toyota double cabin Armoured Patrol Vans and four Ford 550 model 4X4 state of the art Armoured Personnel Carriers were ready for commissioning.
When asked if the remaining bulk would be available before the elections, Abba said he did not know, but noted that “the important thing is that the contract has been signed and the supply is coming from an indigenous company.”
“We are certain that the multiplier effect of the contract would affect the countrymen very well;This is an addition to the vehicles we have in our stock,” he added.
Abba also made references to other utility projects embarked upon by government to enhance the performance of the Force in providing security to citizens.
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