We will deal with criminals ruthlessly – IGP

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali Baba, has vowed to be ruthless and firm in tackling criminalities across the country.

He spoke on Friday in Abeokuta, Ogun State, while taking delivery of security vehicles and equipment donated to the police by the state government.

• WORD FOR WORD: What ISWAP leader said on Shekau’s death
• Buhari Appoints ex-BBC journalist, Balarabe Ilelah, As NBC DG

The equipment handed over to IGP Baba by Governor Dapo Abiodun included 55 patrol vehicles, motorcycles, 200 bulletproofs vests, 20 helmets and communication equipment.

In his address, the Police boss noted that the equipment would upscale operations of the security agents in the fight against insecurity in the state.

Baba maintained that the law-abiding citizens have nothing to fear, but the security operatives would deal with the trouble makers ruthlessly.

The IGP, who branded Abiodun a “security conscious governor”, said the donation would go a long way in ensuring the security of lives and property in the state.

Baba said: “Security is everybody’s business; we appreciate you for making our jobs easier by giving us tools to work.

“No security outfit in the world can succeed without mobility and communication gadgets. The body armour will give personnel the courage to confront criminals.

“This will go a long way in ensuring the security of lives and property in Ogun State and I want to assure that we will be ruthless on those posing a serious security threat to the peaceful coexistence in the country.”

While handing over the equipment, Abiodun also declared that his government would smoke out criminals and prosecute them to serve as a deterrent to others.

He said the government viewed criminality as an act of sabotage “against our collective responsibility.”

Abiodun said: “Let me reiterate, just like the IG said, having done all these, any criminal in Ogun State, if you don’t stop your criminal activities or intentions, we will find you, we will smoke you out, we will arrest you and you will face the fullest extent of the law.”