The Federal Government (FG) has donated 200 Buffalo trucks, protective helmets, bulletproof vests, and medical equipment worth N7.5Bn to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to assist in tackling crime across the nation.
The items were acquired by the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF) and given to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Usman Baba Alkali, by President Muhammadu Buhari’s representative, the Minister of Police Affairs, Muhammad Dingyadi, at the Force headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.
Dingyadi said, “Let me also applaud the initiative to select this brand of Buffalo trucks which are adjudged rugged and capable of withstanding varied geographical terrains and atmospheric conditions.
“The establishment of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund is very timely and apt, as it came at a time when the government is determined more than ever before to holistically address the various security challenges confronting our great country, Nigeria.”
He also stated that the initiative was aimed at equipping and modernizing the NPF to ensure proper policing of the country and to assist the police to achieve its mandate.
According to him, “Achieving the overall objectives of the Trust Fund, should be internalized as the collective aspiration of all Nigerians to bridge the funding gap in policing.
“This can be achieved by providing the Police with required operational tools, equipment, training and re-training of personnel, as well as the motivation of officers and men through improved welfare.”
He said that President Buhari hopes that the gesture would encourage the Police to effectively carry out its duties and to adopt a holistic internal security mechanism in the country.