Kaduna-Abuja bombing: NPF gets 16 INNOSON pickup trucks to tackle crime

By Joshua Hussain

To forestall crime and improve surveillance along the Kaduna-Abuja-Kano expressway, the Nigerian Police on Tuesday added 16 pickup trucks to its arsenal. The vehicles, manufactured by Nigeria’s first automobile manufacturer, INNOSON, were donated by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA).

In a brief handing-over ceremony held at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, the Nigerian Police Force received the vehicles as officials divulged that plans are underway for the acquisition of more equipment to tackle crime in the area.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NSIA, Mr Uche Orji, speaking at the event, expressed that the initiative will drive vigilance and security at infrastructure project sites.

Further, he stated that the vehicles, which meet the specifications of the Police, will aid security of lives of travelers, residents, workers and government assets. He also pledged continued support from NSIA in maintenance.

Orji said, “The Authority is of the view that security is essential to economic development. With this mindset, our goal is to ensure that across all NSIA projects, investments are made to secure lives and property.

“The donation of these 16 patrol vehicles under the PIDF to the Nigeria Police Force is in response to equip the police to better protect the lives of workers, residents, travellers as well as government assets along the AKR project which is presently ongoing.

“Obviously, from the enormity of challenges we face, a significant number of resources is required. But we are hoping that this will go somewhere in helping the work that the IGP and your men are doing.”

The Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali-Baba, during the official handing over,  praised the NSIA for the gesture, reiterating the benefits the vehicles will bring to policing and crime prevention. He also expressed pleasure in partnering with the NSIA henceforth.

Usman, alongside Mr Uche Orji, NSIA Managing Director, inspected the 16 INNOSON 4WD Carriers and certified them for use.