The Force Headquarters has acquired three Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to improve surveillance operations and checkmate criminal activities in the country.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, made the disclosure in a statement yesterday, in Abuja.
He said the acquisition of the UAVs was in line with the determination of the Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr Usman Baba, to integrate innovative technology into law enforcement duties. He said the drones would assist the police in monitoring active crime scenes, coordinating response operations and providing armed aerial support to officers on reconnaissance operations.
He said the acquired UAVs were rotary wing aircrafts capable of flying up to an altitude of 1,000ft, with high operational endurance and capacity of firing at acquired threats and targets from a reasonable distance.
Adejobi said the Nigeria Police Airwing had trained operators of the drones, in partnership with some foreign experts, who would be maintaining the drones. He said the I-G had directed the immediate and strategic deployment of the drones based on necessity, adding that three more UAVs of the same specifications were being expected.
The police spokesman said the I-G pledged constant deployment and judicious use of the drones and had ordered a total clamp down on non-state actors and criminals nationwide.
He said the police boss also warned criminal elements across the country, to turn a new leaf or be ready to meet their waterloo.
Adejobi said the I-G called for full cooperation from the public on intelligence gathering and vigilance.