Date: 2013-11-13

Hammed Shittu of Thisday writes about efforts of Kwara State Government to create a safe and secure society in the state

In its continued efforts to build a safe and secure society, the Kwara State government has inaugurated a new security outfit that is expected to tackle various security challenges in the state.

The security patrol team named "Operation Harmony" comprises soldiers, civil defence corps, State Security Service personnel, and police among others.

The state government believed that the new crack team will complement existing efforts of various security agencies in the state to reduce crime across its 16 local government areas to its barest minimum.

This giant stride of the government according to residents is a laudable one in view of the reported cases of activities of criminals in the state in the past few months.

For instance, robbers activities have heightened  in some parts of the state , especially major expressway such as Ajase-Ipo-Oro- Omu-Aran road,  Ilorin-Bode Saadu-Jebba road, Ilorin- Share- road among others.

Indeed, these men of the underworld have been attacking many motorists plying the roads and dispossessing them of their valuables, just as some who are not lucky enough are dying daily in the hands of the robbers.

So with this new initiative, residents will soon heave a sigh of in view of the fact that, this security outfit will be moving from one town to another while they will also go around major areas of the state capital to nip in the bud the menace of  criminal activities in the state.
Earlier the state government on assumption of office on May 2011 purchased security patrol vehicles for the police command so as to complement the efforts of the state police command in fighting crime in the state.

While speaking during the unveiling of the crack teams in Ilorin recently, the state governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed acknowledged gallant efforts of security men in the state in spite of all the odds against them. "Let me start by paying homage to the officers and men of our security agencies for their gallant roles in keeping our streets safe, our homes secure and our neighbourhoods protected," he said.

According to him, "more often than none, the scale of the security challenges with which we are confronted dwarfs the noble efforts of these brave men and women".

He said: "In our continued efforts to build a safe and secure society, therefore, we must always acknowledge and applaud the valiant works of the officers and men of Nigeria's security agencies to encourage them to do more."

The governor stated that, his administration has demonstrated its resolve to positively transform the lives of the people through purposeful leadership and impactful development project.

He added:  "There can be no economic prosperity unless our people are assured of reasonable security for their lives and property.

"As you are aware, this administration demonstrated this resolve, early in its life, by donating 10 Toyota Hilux Trucks to the Kwara State Command of the Nigeria Police  and it was followed by another five to enhance the operational efficiency of the security agencies," he stated.

He pointed out further that, "It therefore gives me tremendous joy to start Operation Harmony Security Outfit, which is a synergy among Joint Patrol Team (JPT) Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and other security outfits."

He explained that "today, one of our continuing strategies for upholding law and order in the interest of the people's well-being has been strengthened with this outfit's debut."

He maintained that, "it is highly disturbing to note that crime is gradually on the rise despite our reputation for peace and for low crimes rates. These developments have given this administration and indeed our people understandable cause for alarm".

Ahmed remarked that, "this administration will therefore do everything possible to uphold the security of lives and property in the state, because as a responsive and responsible government, we recognise the fact that eternal vigilance is the price of freedom".

Ahmed noted that, "today's commencement of Operation Harmony therefore bears eloquent testimony to our resolve to overcome identified security challenges by boosting the enforcement capacities of the security agencies."

Ahmed said that, "Among others, the outfit is expected to prevent and curb crimes, keep our neighbourhoods safe and restore our state's reputation in combating crimes."

He urged the new security team to live up to the expectations of the people and government of Kwara State assuring that the state government would do everything possible to support the outfit so as to ensure its success in the task ahead.

Also speaking, the state police boss, Mr. Agboola Oshodi-Glover lauded the state government efforts at reducing crime rate in the state with the launching of the new security outfit.

He said that the development will not only keep Kwara safe for businesses and development, but will also promote peace among the teeming populace.

The state police boss who further praised the efforts of Governor Ahmed in ensuring security of lives and property in the state said that the formation of the outfit would go a long way in reducing crime, especially at a time the yuletide is approaching.

Oshodi-Glover who advised the men of the new security outfit to observe due process, law, fundamental human rights in carrying out their day-to-day assignment said that the state security agencies would not condone any act capable of bringing to disrepute the image of security agencies in the state and  the success of the new crack team.

He also called on the men of the outfit to be up and doing and be friends to the members of the public so as to help them get necessary information that would assist them in their assignment.

Now,  there is no doubt that with the unveiling of the new security outfit in the state, residents and motorists plying various major roads  in the state will have a new lease of life and this would go a long way in bringing more investors to invest in the state for its  economic prosperity.