By Emeka Samuel
Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba has commissioned a Special Protection Unit Base donated to the Nigeria Police Force by the Akwa Ibom State government.
Speaking shortly before the commissioning at Awa Iman, Onna Local Council on Wednesday, the IGP said the facility would boost the confidence of investors in the state.
He said the project was significant to the Nigeria Police and the entire security framework of Akwa Ibom State as it demonstrated Governor Udom Emmanuel’s commitment to the security and welbeing of the people of the state.
“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 lead 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.” He said
The IGP used the occasion to call on leaders at all levels to play their supportive role in advancement of of internal security interest through the provision of enabling environment for security services.
To support an immediate take off of the facility, the IGP approved that the base be designated as “Special Protection Unit Base, Awa Iman and also announced approval of a brand new vehicle, quantities of fire arms, ammunitions and special protection items.
Other approvals for take off include an immediate deployment of a commanding Officer, second in command and other key staff officers with provision for special training of all personnel.
Governor Udom Emmanuel in a speech said the donation of the facility was a demonstration of the existing collaboration and partnership between the state government all the security agencies operating in the state.
Emmanuel further announced the donation of 15 equipped new vehicles as part of the 100 vehicles the state government had approved for security agencies in the state last year.
“Today I want to say special thank you to the IGP for making a way, despite all other commitments to give us priority to be here to commission this fantastic facility; not just best in the south south, but in the country.
“Designed in line with concept behind how all police formations are designed across the country: with a modern administrative block, a hundred apartments all ensuite, 10 one bedroom flats, the commandant block with service quarters, the 2 ICs house, officers mess for relaxation, good internal roads with solar-powered lights
“We use to hear Police is your friend, I want to believe that with this within our community Police shall maintain the friendship, the partnership and the collaboration.
“The IGP cannot come all the way and donate equipment without my support. The CP will tell you that we are on a goal of providing one hundred vehicles to to support the Police.
“We have been buying and will keep buying, but for today I have 15 vehicles on 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
