The Ogun Government on Friday inaugurated? six Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and 125 security vans to beef up security in the state, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.
Gov. Ibikunle Amosun said at the ceremony in Abeokuta that? the APCs represented the first batch of the purchase, adding that more would soon be delivered.
The governor recalled that his administration had invested about N3billion in security since inception.
He expressed the hope that crime would be reduced to the barest minimum in the state with the development.
?“With this development, the Joint? Police/Military Task Force code-named Operation Mesa and Quick Response Squad of the state Police Command can now effectively take-off,’’ Amosun said.
The governor observed that men of the underworld had recently been using? modern technology in their criminal operations.
He said that it had become necessary not only to match, but to surpass the technological prowess and intelligence behind criminality.
“The purchase of these latest technology and sophisticated APCs is a step in that direction,’’ he said.
According to him, the developmental and rebuilding efforts of his administration can only thrive in a safe environment.
Amosun also said that government had embarked on security mapping to divide the state into various security zones.
He said the exercise would facilitate effective mobilisation of security agencies to tackle crime in the various zones.
The governor observed that the security challenges in the neighbouring states often constituted threats to the security situation of Ogun.
He said Ogun was collaborating with neighbouring states to ensure effective patrol of the highways and border communities.?
Amosun, however, noted that the issue of security was beyond guns and bullets, pledging that his administration would continue to provide job opportunities for the young and able-bodied in the state.
The governor said the state had established a Security Trust Fund and called on individuals and organisations to support government’s effort at combating crime.
“The purpose of the fund is to create an avenue for private individuals and organisations to support the government in tackling security challenges in the state,’’ Amosun said.
Responding, Mr Mohammed Abubakar, the Acting Inspector-General of Police, commended the state for its effort at combating crime.
Abubakar assured Ogun residents and potential investors of the determination of the police to eradicate crime and ensure safety of life and property.
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