From Molly Kilete, Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari has commended the readiness of the Nigeria Police Force to ensure a free, fair, credible and crisis free polls in the forthcoming general elections in the country.
The president gave the commendation when he commissioned some newly acquired operational assets/equipment by the police at the Force Headquarters, Abuja. He said the equipment would no doubt improve the operational capability of the police to curb electoral violence and other security challenges bedevilling the nation.
The president, who used the occasion to reassure Nigerians and the international community of his administration’s commitment to conduct a peaceful, free, fair, and credible elections, called for cooperation and support from all and sundry towards making his vision a reality.
He said the newly commissioned operational assets, comprising 127 operational vehicles, such as Toyota Hilux Pick Up vans; Zahab Classic Pick Up vans; Mikano Rich-6 Pick Up vans; Anti-Riot Water Cannons; Armoured Personnel Carriers; Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Jeeps; Toyota Coaster Buses; Toyota Hiace Ambulances; Mikano Trucks and Crowd Control Barriers Vehicles; catchment of arms, ammunition, riot control agents such as tear gas, tasers, stun guns, pepper sprays, bulletproof vests, helmets, and other personal protective equipment procured by the police, would strategically improve the operational capabilities of the NPF, in the area of crowd control and anti-riot operations.
Earlier in his address, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Usman Baba, said the Nigeria Police Force was fully ready and prepared to provide adequate security and make the forthcoming elections one of the best in the history of the country.
The IGP said there was no cause for alarm from any quarters as the police force under his leadership had carried out a series of measures to make the elections a huge success as promised by President Buhari to the nation and the international community.