Akpan Umoh, Uyo
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Usman Alkali Baba has inaugurated a Special Protection Unit Base donated to the Nigeria Police Force by the Akwa Ibom Government.
Baba during the inauguration of the facility in Awa Iman, Onna Local Government Area of the state, said the police base would boost the confidence of investors coming to the state.
He said the project was significant to the Force and the entire security architecture of the state.
He added the base has demonstrated Gov. Udom Emmanuel’s commitment to the security well-being of the people.
“This facility will enhance the operational efficiency of the Special Protection Unit of Akwa Ibom State in a manner that would advance security across the state.
“It will also boost investors’ confidence as it will protect their economic and industrial assets, hence strengthening the economy of the state.
“You have by this act led the way in quality and purposeful leadership and this will soon become manifest in and around this great state.
“You have supported the federal government in addressing a critical infrastructural deficit which had negatively impacted on the operational efficiency of the Nigeria Police Force,” Baba said
The IGP used the occasion to call on leaders at all levels to play their supportive roles in the advancement of internal security through the provision of enabling environment for the security services.
In his remarks, Gov Udom Emmanuel declared the facility as overall best, not just in South-South, but in the country at large.
Emmanuel assured the IGP that the base was designed in line with the concept to suit the current security formations in the country.
According to him, facilities within the complex include a modern administrative block, a hundred apartments all ensuite, 10 one-bedroom flats, the commandant block with service quarters, officers mess for relaxation, good internal roads with solar-powered lights.
“We don’t just want to sit down and ask what the police can do for us, but as a people.
“As a government and as a state, we make bold move to make a statement that this is one state that at each point in time we demonstrate that we are in collaboration, in partnership, in common purpose and common goal with all the security agencies operating in this state.
“Today, I want to say a special thank you to the IGP for making away, in spite of all other commitments to give us priority to be here to inaugurate this fantastic facility; not just best in the south-south, but in the country,” Emmanuel said.
Emmanuel informed the IGP that the state government has provided 100 vehicles to support the Police.
He said, “We have been buying and will keep buying, but for today I have 15 vehicles on the ground: 10 are Sienna buses and 5 brand new Hilux trucks, all fully fitted with communication gadgets to start this base. We don’t want this base to lack mobility.”