By Audrey Lotechukwu
THUR 10 JUNE, 2021-theGBJournal- The Federal Government is currently recruiting 10,000 new Police officers to reinforce the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) personnel capacity across the country, President Muhammadu Buhari revealed Thursday in Lagos, were he witnessed the handover of security equipment to the Lagos State Police Command by the Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on behalf of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF).
The President said that in addition to this, he has directed the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission to carry out an upward review of Police Salaries and Benefits.
‘’Let me also use this opportunity to commend the leadership of the Force for the reforms being implemented in the area of Police Pensions. Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen; even as we strive to improve Police welfare and capacity, we equally have our expectations of them. First let me commend the Inspector-General of Police and the entire Force for the recent efforts to restore peace to troubled parts of the country, the President said.
President Buhari said he also has charged the Inspector-General to leave no stone unturned in rebuilding the morale of his officers and men, especially in the aftermath of the mindless violence associated with the EndSARS protests, as well as the recent spate of attacks on Police Stations in some parts of the country.
‘’A nation that turns its Police personnel and infrastructure into targets of violence and destruction is a nation on the path of self-destruction. We will act firmly and decisively against any and all persons fomenting or carrying out attacks on our Police Force and other security personnel.’’
He reiterated that his earlier directive to security agencies, to shoot any person or persons found illegally wielding AK-47s and other assault weapons, remains in place.
‘’As Commander-in-chief, my primary responsibility remains the security of the country and the safety of all citizens. Despite the many challenges we are facing, I want Nigerians to rest assured that we will secure this country. We will secure our infrastructure, our highways, our communities, and our forests, and we will secure the lives of our people.’’
According to the President, ‘’to effectively accomplish this goal, however, we require the support of all stakeholders, including the other tiers of government, and non-government actors like traditional, community and religious leaders, the private sector, civil society organisations, and citizens themselves.
Security is a collective effort, and credible intelligence, which is a necessary ingredient for preventing and fighting crime, cannot be obtained without the full cooperation of citizens and communities. Once again, let me commend Lagos State for what you are doing in the areas of reinforcement and support for the security agencies in the State.’’
He commended all of the private sector partners who have risen up to the challenge and partnered wonderfully with the State Government in its ongoing battle to quell the upsurge of crime and insecurity in the state.
It is my hope that this public/private sector partnership will be an example to others to demonstrate similar acts of generosity and responsibility.
‘’Let me now again express my gratitude to the Lagos State Government for extending an invitation to me to join you at this handing-over ceremony.’’
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