• The Nigerian Police has taken another step in an effort to ensure the safety of life and property of Nigerians
• The police announced on Wednesday March 30 the acquisition of drones to serve and improve surveillance operations
• IGP Usman Alkali Baba ordered the drones to be deployed in areas prone to high security breaches

FCT, Abuja- The Nigerian Police has acquired five additional high-powered Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), i.e. drones, to enhance surveillance operations to quell criminal activities in the country.

A declaration released Wednesday, March 30 by CSP Acting Police Spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi said the move was in line with the vision and mission statements of IGP Usman Alkali Baba, which include a police focused on technology.

Adejobi said the acquisition of the drones is a manifestation of the IGP’s determination to mainstream the use of innovative technologies into the Nigerian Police’s law enforcement functions and ultimately improve its intelligence gathering and operational capabilities.

The statement said in part:

“Drones will help police monitor active crime scenes, coordinate response operations and provide aerial support to response officers.

“The drones include an ALTI Transition, capable of covering up to 150 km in a single flight with a high autonomy of up to 14 hours, and an Elistair Orion fixed-wing aircraft, capable of covering up to 92 m of altitude with high endurance of up to 50 hours and other sensitive and forensic features.

“These drones will be piloted remotely by police pilots from the Airwing Police who have undergone specialized training with engineers from the company Elistair, who were transported from France at the instigation of the IGP, for a program week of training, and have acquired the technical skills and know-how required in the operation and maintenance of the purchased drones.”

IGP directs drone deployments in strategic areas

During this time, the IGP directed the immediate, adequate and strategic deployment of drones to areas prone to high security breaches, for surveillance and intelligence gathering in order to head down the fight against crime.

He reiterated the strong determination of the police leadership to continue to explore ways to improve the intelligence gathering capabilities of the police and initiate the application of advanced technologies in the fight against crime and crime. .

The police chief has also requested the full cooperation of members of the public in intelligence gathering and vigilance.

Nigerians react

Chiemeka Akwarandu commented on Facebook:

“Why announce it, is it to inform criminals to prepare? Can’t you acquire, train and show us results.”

King Joel Agho said:

“Reactive elements. You only react. Never push for actions, but will only come out when we have worked hard.

Chukwudi Austin Chukwudi said:

“You shouldn’t talk too much. What Nigerians need is action please.

“May God strengthen and protect you all as you fight this battle against bandits, boko haram and unknown gunmen.

“May God help us in this Nigeria.”

Razaq Ejiwumi said:

“I hope we have at least one functional UAV per local government area. We cannot wait for the UAV to be deployed from Abuja to my hometown if there is an emergency to deal with…”

Police protest planned: IGP travels to Ogun and meets with aggrieved officers

In another report, following rumors that Nigerian police officers were planning to take industrial action over poor pay, welfare and lack of sophisticated crime-fighting weapons, among others, the IGP recently met with staff.

The Chief of Police was at Ogun State Police Command on Tuesday, March 22 to appease junior officers and discourage them from the strike.

It was understood that the IGP would meet with other police officers across the country over the impending staff strike.

Source: Legit.ng