IGP also said the police had prior to this established anti-kidnapping units across several states in the country and a SIS squad in Abuja
By Kehinde Okeowo
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has assured Nigerians that the Nigeria Police Force will soon be able to cover the areas its current drone system cannot reach.
According to him, the security agency is set to establish a “full drone system” which will help to tackle the nation’s security challenges adequately.
He made this known on Monday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, while delivering the first distinguished Personality Lecture, organised by the TETFUND Centre of Excellence in Multidisciplinary Studies (TCEMS), University of Ibadan.
Speaking during the lecture he titled: “The Nigeria Police Force and the Management of Internal Security”, Egbetokun said although the police have an existing drone system, a “full drone system” will help in capturing all parts of Nigeria from its headquarters in Abuja.
He also noted that the drone system will help the police see criminals wherever they are and whenever they are committing crimes.
ALSO READ: FG plotting to abduct Labour leaders using soldiers, NLC alleges
‘The ungoverned spaces will soon become governed,” he said.
He went on to say the force is planning to establish a Special Intervention Squad (SIS) in all the states, saying the introduction of the squad to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), aided the police in tackling kidnapping, banditry and other forms of criminality, including the recovery of weapons.
The IGP further said he also established dedicated anti-kidnapping units across various states which successfully conducted numerous rescue operations leading to the safe return of kidnapped victims and the arrest of perpetrators.
Egbetokun, however, highlighted the shortage of manpower, inadequate equipment, public distrust and insufficient budgetary provisions as some of the challenges facing the force.
Despite this, he pledged his men’s commitment to the protection of lives and property of citizens.