By Jon Egie
Global Security-Sector-Reform Foundation (GS-Foundation) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the Police Reform and Transformation Office (PORTO) have officially handed over state-of-the-art equipment designed for a 2,000-bed capacity mobile barracks to the Nigeria Police Force.
This significant initiative, aimed at enhancing the welfare and deployment capabilities of the Nigeria Police Force, was unveiled during a handover ceremony at the Police College Ikeja yesterday, Friday 15th September, 2023.
The initiative is also in alignment with the commitment of the Inspector General of Police, Ag. IGP Kayode Egbetokun to enhance the operational effectiveness of the Nigeria Police Force, particularly with regards to the establishment of the Special Intervention Squad (SIS).
The facility which includes modular components such as military-grade tents, fully equipped field kitchens, medical clinics, and modern toilet and washroom facilities is part of the Supporting Police Reform Processes in Nigeria Project funded by the Federal Foreign Office of the Government of Germany and implemented by UNDP and GS-Foundation in collaboration with PORTO and the NPF. The mobile nature of these barracks enables rapid field deployments to various locations across the Federation.
The Chief Executive Officer of PORTO, Tunji Lardner, emphasized the alignment of this initiative with their comprehensive reform strategy and commended the Inspector General of Police, Ag. IGP Kayode Egbetokun, for his exceptional leadership in this strategic partnership. He expressed gratitude to the German Federal Foreign Office (FFO), GS-Foundation, and UNDP for their unwavering support in this critical national endeavor.
In his remarks, Ag. IGP Kayode Egbetokun acknowledged the significant contribution of the German Government to the Nigeria Police Force and expressed gratitude to the collaborative efforts of UNDP, GS-Foundation, PORTO, and the Federal Foreign Office of the Government of Germany. He emphasized that this initiative underscores the dedication of the Nigeria Police Force to modernizing law enforcement and will undoubtedly enhance the safety and security of communities across the nation.