Minister of Police Affairs, Dr Mohammad Dingyadi, on Thursday, handed over 10,635 bulletproof vests, 6,708 ballistics helmets, and 4,400 safety boxes and first aid kits to the Nigeria Police Force through the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba, to enhance the operation of the Force.
Dingyadi handed over the security equipment to the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba, at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, Louis Edet House, Abuja.
They were procured by the Police Affairs Ministry for the Nigeria Police Force, under its 2022 capital budget.
Head of Press and Public Relations, Bolaji Kazeem, in a statement, said the Minister noted that the gesture was part of the present administration’s ongoing reform of the Nigeria Police through the provision of equipment that will enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Force despite dwindling revenue.
Dingyadi said, “It thus reinforces this administration’s focus on equipping Nigeria Police with necessary gadgets that will protect, and instill confidence in its personnel to tackle all forms of criminalities in the country.”
The Minister noted that the recent successes recorded by the police in its offensive operations against mindless criminals, and dislodgement from their hideouts necessitated equipping police personnel with protective gadgets in line with international best standard practices.
He added, “It underscores President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration’s commitment to reclaiming policing primacy through enhanced welfare arrangement, retooling of policing infrastructure, capacity building, enhanced salaries and comprehensive reforms to advance internal security in the country”.
The Minister urged officers and men of the Police Force to continue to put in their best in discharging their duties to the nation, and to adhere to the rules of engagement and protection of citizens’ rights to reclaim dwindling trust and confidence from the populace.
IGP in his remarks on the occasion, thanked President Muhammad Buhari, the National Assembly, and the Police Affairs Ministry for assisting the force with operational tools.
He noted that the equipment will assist the Nigeria Police Force in their operations against banditry, criminals, kidnapping, and 2023 elections, as well as give the officers in the field confidence and protection during operations.
