The Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, on Tuesday, inaugurated 150 patrol vehicles and 500 for distribution to security agencies to tackle insecurity occasioned by kidnapping, banditry and other related crimes in the state.
The governor inaugurated the newly acquired patrol vehicles and motorcycles at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House, Kaduna.
The event was part of activities lined up to mark his administration’s one year in office.
Speaking, the governor expressed gratitude to all security agencies for keeping the state safe from the activities of criminals.
This was just as he reiterated his earlier call for the establishment of state police and praised the federal lawmakers for their inputs towards the reform (state police) both at the upper and the lower legislative chambers.
Governor Sani, who used the opportunity of the event, directed that the state Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs’ Conference Hall named after the late Lt. Col. AH Ali, for his contribution to securing the state “when he was Commanding Officer, 198 Special Forces Battalion before he was transferred to the South-South, where he, along with his officers and soldiers, lost their lives.”
The late Col. Ali and his troops were killed at Okuama community in the Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta, while on a peace mission to the area in March.
Sani said the commissioning of the new brand of patrol vans and motorcycles were not just about providing work tools but the demonstration of his administration’s continued support to security forces
According to him, apart from the provision of operational vehicles and motorcycles, the state has taken proactive steps to enhance security through signing the State Security Trust Fund into law.
This, Sani said, was to ensure proper funding support towards efforts to degrade bandits and terrorists in the state “with the productive engagement of the private sector.”
He further reiterated his administration’s avowed commitment to the safety and security of the state adding, “We will continue to invest in more enablers for our personnel, and work collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure a peaceful and secure environment for our people.”
The governor added, “We are gathered here to take a giant step in our collective efforts at enhancing the security and well-being of the people of Kaduna State.
“I must also thank our partners in security collaboration; service chiefs, heads of security agencies, force commanders, as well as our critical partners, traditional and religious leaders, for their tireless efforts.
“The safety and security of our citizens remains paramount. It is our duty as a government to support the security agencies in carrying out their vital responsibilities. We recognize the challenges confronting our security personnel, especially in terms of mobility and swiftly accessing remote areas.
“Improved mobility means that security operatives can respond faster and more efficiently to distress calls. It means that our security forces can more easily seize the initiative. It also means that citizens can feel safer because of the more visible security presence.”
In his remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa commended the Kaduna State government for procuring the operational vehicles to security agencies in the state.
Gen. Musa said, “I would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to the Kaduna State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Uba Sani, for the invaluable donation of these operational vehicles.
“This gesture of solidarity and support underscores the strong partnership between the armed forces and the government at both state and federal levels.
“The provision of these vehicles and motorcycles will undoubtedly bolster our operational readiness, enhance our mobility, and further strengthen our capacity to safeguard the security and sovereignty of our beloved country.”
The CDS further charged security agencies to rededicate themselves to the noble cause of defending the nation with honour and integrity.
“Let us harness the capabilities of these vehicles to further enhance our operational effectiveness, protect our communities, and uphold the values of loyalty, courage, and unity that define our armed forces,” he added.
Earlier in his remarks, the state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr. Samuel Aruwan, noted that his ministry has continued to enjoy a robust and productive relationship with all the Federal security agencies.
He added that the state government under Senator Uba Sani in the last year, had given unbroken focus to the security of citizens.
According to him, with the direction and support of the governor, the ministry has continued to pursue its mandates comprising, among other things, liaising and coordinating collaborative efforts with federal and state security agencies.
“We have found in them steadfast and willing partners, and we will continue to cooperate enthusiastically towards combatting banditry, terrorism and other forms of criminality in Kaduna State
“Today, as we pursue another avenue for cooperation, we remain immensely grateful for the supportive stance of the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Defence Staff, all the service Chiefs and Heads of Security Agencies. We deeply appreciate the numerous sacrifices that they make in upholding our partnership.
“We know too clearly the importance of mobility to security efforts. Bandits and criminals have learned to use the difficult terrain of hard-to-reach areas to their advantage.
“With these vehicles, however, there will be a marked enhancement in response capability. This is why we are excited to facilitate the commissioning and presentation of these enablers to security agencies,” Aruwan added.