Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Inspector General of Police, (IGP) Usman Alkali Baba, has granted requests by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State to deploy more personnel and equipment to the state for tackling the current security challenges in the state.
He said this during the inauguration of the 76 Police Mobile Force Squadron, Ekwegbe in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of the state.
Ugwuanyi had in his address of welcome at the event asked the IG to approve the deployment of more personnel and equipment to the state in view of the emerging security situation in the state.
He also requested for the deployment of more units to No. 76 Police Mobile Force, to enhance its manpower base and make it more formidable.
The Governor further requested for provision of additional Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC), bulletproof vests, helmets and other protective equipment to help Police operatives in the state to frontally confront and contain unrepentant criminal elements.
He further urged the Police Chief to consider the need for the establishment and equipping of a drone section.
“This will aid the Police in combating crimes, especially those perpetrated in areas with difficult policing terrains,” he said.
The IGP appreciated the landlord, the Chairman of Igbo-Etiti LGA, Hon. Ikenna Nwodo, and all the elders of the host community (Ekwegbe), for donating their land for the facility.
“I will give you body armours and helmets; above all, I will give you one APC (Armoured Personnel Carrier).
“These things will be available for collection immediately after the Christmas break.
“We just established the drone section and we are battling to make it work.
“As soon as we have been able to establish the one in the headquarters effectively, we will see how we can decentralise and if I’m on this seat, Enugu will be the first place to be considered,” he said.