DEMOCRACY DAY: Nwifuru distributes 31 operational vehicles to security agencies

Politics

ABAKALIKI, Nigeria (NPA) — Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has distributed 31 operational vehicles to security and law enforcement agencies as part of efforts to strengthen security operations and enhance rapid response to crime and emergencies across the state.

The governor handed over the vehicles on Thursday at the Governor’s Office in Ochoudo Centenary City, Abakaliki, during activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebration.

Nwifuru said the intervention was aimed at equipping security agencies with the resources needed to effectively tackle criminal activities, social unrest, and other security challenges confronting communities across the state.

According to the governor, prompt response to emergencies remains a critical component of effective security management.

“One of the ways security challenges and social disorder can be contained is to empower security agencies to respond swiftly to emergencies and distress situations,” he said.

Nwifuru commended the efforts of security chiefs and personnel operating in Ebonyi State, describing their services as selfless, professional, and instrumental to maintaining peace and stability.

“The selfless services rendered by the Service Chiefs are very tremendous and commendable, especially the technical knowledge and digital skills they have adopted to provide security,” the governor stated.

He expressed satisfaction with the performance of the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Nigeria Customs Service, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigerian Correctional Service, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

“I am very impressed with the Army, Police, Department of State Services, NDLEA, FRSC, Customs, Immigration, Correctional Service and Civil Defence Corps for their commitment to protecting lives and property,” he said.

The governor disclosed that the decision to procure the vehicles was reached during a meeting of the State Security Council following an assessment of emerging security concerns in some parts of the state.

“After our Security Council meeting, we agreed to procure vehicles to respond to distress calls and security challenges,” he added.

Nwifuru acknowledged that while Ebonyi remains one of the more peaceful states in the country, there have been pockets of social disturbances in some rural communities that require proactive intervention.

“We have been challenged in our local areas. We looked at the challenges and saw the necessity of providing these vehicles because security is everybody’s business,” he said.

The governor urged the benefiting agencies to ensure proper maintenance and responsible use of the vehicles to maximise their impact on public safety.

“I have very much confidence that these vehicles will be handled the same way other government assets are being managed,” he stated.

The donation forms part of the Nwifuru administration’s broader strategy to strengthen security infrastructure, improve operational effectiveness, and sustain the peace and stability needed for economic growth and development across Ebonyi State.