Special force needed to tackle banditry in Niger – CP

The Commissioner of Police (CP) in Niger State, Ogundele Joshua Ayodeji, has said that the command needs Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) and a special force to effectively tackle banditry and other forms of security challenges facing the state.

Mr Ayodeji stated this when he received the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Zone 7, Adebowale Williams, who was in the command on a one-day official visit.

The CP said, “Despite being a state with banditry challenges, the command’s holding of operational equipment is nothing to behold. There is also the need for more bullet proof vests and helmets because of constant contact with the bandits who use sophisticated arms. This affects the confidence and psyche of our men and the capacity to fight sophisticated crimes in the state.”

Mr Ayodeji also told the AIG that most of the police divisions, out stations and barracks were in inappropriate, old and unsafe structures, adding that the command also lacked inspectors and rank and file to effectively carry out policing duties, in addition to constant transfer of men out of the command without replacement.

• We’ll provide data for guided investment in real estate — Stakeholders
• Benue assembly begs teachers to shelve protest

Responding, Mr Williams tasked the command on protection of critical infrastructure like the Kainji, Shiroro, Jebba and Zungeru dams to avoid national embarrassment.

He said border patrol along the Borgu axis that bordered the Benin Republic should be sustained to check the influx of foreign criminal elements.