By Adewole Kehinde
“Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.” – Warren Bennis.
On Tuesday, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, broke a record by commissioning 50 state-of-the-art operational vehicles for the Explosive Ordnance Disposal—Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Unit of the Nigeria Police Force.
The federal government has the authority to control security. But because there were insufficient vehicles and other working gear available, state governments and private citizens had to help the police.
Anywhere in the world, proper tools, including weapons and tactics, are required for efficient enforcement. Standard operating vehicles are needed to address Nigeria’s growing security issues, which include banditry, abduction, livestock rustling, and conflicts between farmers and herders.
Since the EOD-CBRN Unit continues to play a vital role in the continuous battle against terrorism and changing security threats, these specially built vehicles are carefully planned and outfitted to handle contemporary security threats. They represent a purposeful and strategic investment in strengthening the country’s security infrastructure.
The new vehicles, no doubt, will provide better reliability and performance, allowing the EOD-CBRN Unit to respond more quickly to emergencies and incidents across various terrains in Nigeria.
Equally, with the state-of-the-art operational vehicles, the EOD-CBRN Unit can now significantly reduce response times to crises and law enforcement activities, ensuring timely intervention in emergencies.
It will also improve the morale of police personnel, as it demonstrates a commitment to supporting them with the necessary tools to perform their duties effectively.
I strongly believe that the communication systems, GPS, and surveillance capabilities installed in the vehicles enhance policing efforts.
The presence of well-equipped and visibly capable police vehicles will surely improve public confidence in law enforcement, fostering a better relationship between the police and the community.
There is no doubt that the 50 state-of-the-art operational vehicles handed over to the EOD-CBRN Unit will lead to a more effective, efficient, and respected force, ultimately benefiting public safety and security.
At this juncture, I must say that Pres. Bola Tinubu deserves praise for his administration’s support of the Nigeria Police.
He should be aware that the federal government’s steadfast commitment to ensuring the police have the necessary tools to protect people and property would not have allowed for the successful delivery of these operational assets.
My candid advice to the Police Management Team is to put in place regular reorientation for its officers and men to embrace a good maintenance culture of the vehicles.
On a final note, I will call for public support for the Nigeria Police through donations of operational vehicles and other resources by state governments and corporate bodies.
This support will go a long way in enhancing the Nigeria Police’s capabilities in combating crime and maintaining law and order, particularly in areas like increased patrols and specialised operations.
Adewole Kehinde is a public affairs analyst based in Abuja. 08166240846 @kennyadewole kennyadewole@gmail.com
