By Austine Emmanuel, Kaduna
Kaduna state government has commissioned 150 Hilux Operational Vehicles and 500 motorcycles to tackle insecurity in the state.
This is as the government stated that the safety and security of citizens remain paramount to them and will do everything humanly possible to rid the state of every security challenges confronting Kaduna state.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Tuesday at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House in Kaduna, the state Governor, Senator Uba Sani stated that it is their duty as government to support the security agencies in carrying out their vital responsibilities.
He noted that the commissioning and distribution of vehicles including motorcycles is not just about providing work tools but about demonstrating their continuous support to security forces, by empowering and showing that the government values their sacrifices, and supporting them in their mission to protect and serve.
He said, “We recognise the challenges confronting our security personnel, especially in terms of mobility and swiftly accessing remote areas. Improved mobility means that security operatives can respond faster and more efficiently to distress calls. It means that our security forces can more easily seize the initiative. It also means that citizens can feel safer because of the more visible security presence.
“The safety and security of our citizens remains paramount. It is our duty as a government to support the security agencies in carrying out their vital responsibilities. We recognise the challenges confronting our security personnel, especially in terms of mobility and swiftly accessing remote areas.
“Improved mobility means that security operatives can respond faster and more efficiently to distress calls. It means that our security forces can more easily seize the initiative. It also means that citizens can feel safer because of the more visible security presence.
“Apart from the distribution of operational vehicles and motorcycles, our administration has taken other proactive measures to enhance the security of Kaduna State. I recently signed the Kaduna State Security Trust Fund Bill into Law. This will ensure funding support towards efforts to degrade bandits and terrorists in the state, with the productive engagement of the private sector. The Trust Fund will raise funds for the acquisition and deployment of even more security equipment, personnel and materials as well as training.
“Apart from the distribution of operational vehicles and motorcycles, our administration has taken other proactive measures to enhance the security of Kaduna State. I recently signed the Kaduna State Security Trust Fund Bill into Law. This will ensure funding support towards efforts to degrade bandits and terrorists in the state, with the productive engagement of the private sector.
“The Trust Fund will raise funds for the acquisition and deployment of even more security equipment, personnel and materials as well as training. We are equally leading the calls for legislative reform toward the establishment of State Police. I commend National Assembly Members from Kaduna State for identifying with this cause,” he said.
In his remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff, (CDS) General Christopher Musa, said that the operational vehicles will not only facilitate their strategic mobility but will also serve as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The CDS while commending the efforts of the state Governor, Senator Sani said that the Governor has made Kaduna a friendly state, where everybody is carried along without any form of discrimination, and thus had changed the atmosphere of the state.
“I would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to the Kaduna State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Uba Sani, for the invaluable donation of these operational vehicles. This gesture of solidarity and support underscores the strong partnership between the armed forces and the government at both state and federal levels.
“The provision of these vehicles and motorcycles will undoubtedly bolster our operational readiness, enhance our mobility, and further strengthen our capacity to safeguard the security and sovereignty of our beloved country.
“As we commission these operational vehicles today, let us recommit ourselves to the noble cause of defending our nation with honour and integrity. Let us harness the capabilities of these vehicles to further enhance our operational effectiveness, protect our communities, and uphold the values of loyalty, courage, and unity that define our armed forces.
“Together, we stand as guardians of peace, guardians of freedom, and guardians of the Nigerian people,” the CDS remarked.