THE Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, has expressed the preparedness of the Force to ensure hitch-free 52nd Independence celebration.

The police boss spoke with reporters yesterday in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, shortly before being decorated with an honorary doctorate degree by a faith-based Islamic private institution, Al-Hikmah University at its second convocation.

Other dignitaries honoured by the university included Governors AbdulFatah Ahmed, Isiaka Abiola Ajimobi, Aliyu Wammako and Abdul-Aziz Yari of Kwara, Oyo, Sokoto and Zamfara states as well as Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs, Alhaji Dikko Abdullahi.

Abubakar expressed delight with improvement in the nation’s security situation compared with what was on ground eight months ago when he assumed office.

The police boss said the recoveny arms and ammunitions in parts of the country was testimony of progress so far recorded in the area of security.

According to him: "Nigeria is better today security wise. There is peace and stability in the country.

"We shall continue to do our best to ensure security of life and property of the citizenry."

On the 52nd Independence anniversary of Nigeria, he said the police will ensure criminals have no hiding place.

On the proposed police intelligence school slated for Ilorin, the IGP said: "the school will soon take off. We have gotten the bill for it. The land has been allocated and we are trying to mobilise contractors to site so that the project can start."