With a charge to deploy available technology to enhance security across the state, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu yesterday presented 260 vehicles and other security gadgets to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
He made the presentation at the State House, Alausa, Ikeja during a Security Summit with the theme: ‘Data and technology-driven security: The way forward’, organised by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF).
The police also received 10 fully equipped solar powered mobile clinics from the German Government under the Supporting Police Accountability and Transformation (SPAaT).
Handing over the vehicles, bulletproof vests, helmets and other gadgets to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, Sanwo-Olu acknowledged the role the service had played in keeping Lagos safe.
He hailed the police and other security agencies for their steadfastness in protecting lives and property of Lagosians, thanking the sponsors who made the equipment available.
Revealing that the state government recently acquired some drones, Sanwo-Olu said it had become expedient to take advantage of innovative technologies to combat crime.
He urged his colleagues across the country to do more to support the police for improved security.
“We bought some drones. Lagos is well mapped. This will enable our gallant officers to fish out criminals, no matter the location. We also provided some bulletproof vests to protect our officers. Lagos State Government will keep supporting you with equipment,” he said.
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According to the governor, the state last year promised to donate 200 vehicles to the police, but surpassed the number and handed over 260 vehicles to support their operations.
He said: “Lagos State, as the economic hub of our great nation, understands the importance of security. The fact that this is the 18th edition of the Security Summit attests to the fact that we are deliberate about keeping Lagosians safe.”
“At the last summit, we promised to give out 200 vehicles, but here we are, we have surpassed our goal. We are giving out 260 vehicles alongside other equipment. I will like to thank all our sponsors because this is a collaborative effort from corporate organisations and individuals that have made donations over the years. Nothing is too small to donate.’’
Receiving the vehicles, IGP Egbetokun reiterated the commitment of the police to safety and security across the country, praising Sanwo-Olu for his exemplary leadership.
Chairman, LSSTF, Kehinde Durosinmi-Etti, said: “We know the challenges of keeping our communities safe as they grow. The solution, we believe, lies in harnessing the power of data and technology. Whether it is through predictive analytics, real-time surveillance or AI-driven threat detection systems, technology is reshaping how we understand and respond to security challenges.”
Receiving the mobile clinics at the Police Store, Ikeja, from the German Ambassador, Annett Günther, Durosinmi-Etti said the donation exemplified Germany’s commitment to supporting Nigeria Police Force in its journey towards modernisation and improved welfare standard.
The Ambassador, represented by the Deputy Consul General, Gerald Wolf, said: “This handover exemplifies Germany’s commitment to supporting Nigeria Police Force in its journey towards modernisation and improved welfare standard. By addressing the health care needs of police personnel, we are investing in the stability and security of communities across Nigeria.”
Facilitated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with Global Security Sector Reform (GS) Foundation, the mobile clinics will ensure officers, recruits and the communities where they are deployed have access to quality medical care.
According to Egbetokun, “the mobile clinics, equipped with solar power systems, advanced medical equipment, furniture, patient beds and other essential resources for full functionality, will be stationed at police training institutions nationwide.”
The IGP, represented by the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in charge of Training and Development, Frank Mba, lauded the German government for its continued support to the police, noting that 1,500 officers, including 600 instructors, were previously trained under the initiative.
“Delivery of these mobile clinics is not merely a gesture of goodwill; it is a strategic investment in the well-being of our officers, trainees and, by extension, the communities we serve. These assets will be deployed across 10 of our police training institutions nationwide, reinforcing our commitment to holistic development within the Force.
“This intervention builds upon the successes recorded in the reform project over recent years. In 2023, the delivery of a 2,000- bed capacity mobile barracks significantly alleviated accommodation challenges in our training schools.