BEVERLY HILLS, December 03, (THEWILL) – The seeming insurmountable robbery challenges in Lagos State may soon be a thing of the past if current efforts by Governor Akinwunni Ambode are anything to go by. In response to the growing menace of armed robbery in the state, the governor’s recent empowerment of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) has proven to be a step in the right direction.
The high level of crime in recent time has been a source of great concern for residents and visitors alike. The menace had degenerated into insecurity even in traffic, a situation that threatened safety of lives and property. However, the recent rebranding of the RRS has given re-assurance to stakeholders that the state would once more become safer for all.
In rising to the challenge, Ambode recently handed over operational equipment to the Police, with a view to frontally tackling the threat. The massive equipment include, three helicopters, two patrol boats, 100 motorcycles, 15 BMW power bikes, 60 Ford Salon cars, 55 Ford Rangers and 40 Toyota salon cars. Others include 10 Toyota Land Cruiser SUVs, 31 Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs), as well as police uniforms and kits.
Also included are vehicle radio communicators and improved insurance and death benefit schemes for officers and men. The cost of acquiring the monumental feat was put at N4.765bn. The presentation ceremony was witnessed by the Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, Minister of the Interior, Lt. Gen. Abdulraham Dambazau, among others.
In a statement, the State’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, had said that the governor was determined to tackle the insecurity challenges in the state.
THEWILL shares in the quick response of the governor in this regard. We believe that it would go a long way in repositioning the state for the needed economic transformation. In commending the Governor, we agree that this gesture will “further boost the morale and capacity of the Police, RRS and other security agencies in the state.”
Notwithstanding this gargantuan effort, there is need to explore the added advantage of the Information Communication Technology (ICT) in fighting crime. The application of ICT-based communication systems would enhance the command and control segments of the security apparatus. While the procured public security communications System (PSCS) is strategic, THEWILL urges the governor to take a step further, by installing Closed Circuit Television cameras in strategic places in the state.
Since crime is an evolving trend, the governor should not rest on his oars, but be dynamic in ensuring that current measures are sustained. In view of the importance of intelligence gathering in crime fighting, we urge the governor to explore the possibility of strengthening the Neighbourhood Watch that is already in operation. The police should also be assisted in getting relevant training, both locally and internationally to be able to sustain the tempo.
Security agencies should enlist the collaboration of traditional rulers and Community Development Associations (CDAs) to gather information about residents in their areas. This becomes apt against the saying that armed robbers are not spirits; they live in our midst. It is hoped that the up-coming security summit in the state will be used to address all contending issues.
Finally, as the judiciary is crucial in crime fighting, Ambode should take holistic approach in ensuring that there is speedy dispensation of justice to culprits. The present situation where trials go on for decades sends wrong signal to criminals that there could be delay in the administration of justice.
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