Date: 2021-06-26

Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has presented 20 new patrol vehicles and dozens of bulletproof vests to security agencies in the state, a gesture meant to strengthen rapid response, curb crimes and make the state safer.

This comes a few months after his administration donated many vehicles to the agencies as part of its multi-layered strategies to secure the state and attract investments.

The vehicles comprise 10 salon cars exclusively donated to the police and another 10 Toyota Hilux which are meant for rapid response arm of the multiagency Operation Harmony.

"We are donating vehicles to the security agencies to fortify their work. We did that last year and later this year we will be adding more vehicles," he said.

"It is a continuous exercise. The federal government is doing a lot and this is our own little way to support what the central government is doing.

"We use this opportunity to thank the security agencies for what they are doing for us to sleep at night while they do what they need to do.

"This situation in Kwara is much more better than most states and we want them to keep that. So, we need to support them to make sure they keep the peace in Kwara."

The Governor said Kwara has become increasingly peaceful while people are finding safe haven, adding: "We do appreciate what all our security agencies are doing. This is another block in the building of strong security architecture in the state."

Secretary to the State Government Prof Mamman Saba Jubril said the government acquired the patrol vehicles for rapid response to security issues in the state.

"We are here to hand over the patrol vehicles to security agencies in the state. We know there are security problems in different parts of the world but we thank God in Kwara State that we enjoy relative peace but we are not overconfident.

"All we are doing is to maintain peace in the state. Because of what is happenings in our neighbouring states, we need to make efforts to maintain peace in the state. That is why His Excellency has acquired the security vehicles for rapid response, they should be ready to respond and maintain peace at anytime."

Jubril urged the security agencies to use the vehicles carefully to aid their operations.

Commissioner of Police Mohammed Bagega commended the State Government for its continuous support to security agencies in the state.

"On behalf of other security agencies in the state, I want to express our sincere gratitude for the tremendous assistance the government has been rendering to us in the state. I want to assure you that the vehicles will be used for the intended purposes," Bagega added.