Police to utilise drones for crime prevention–DIG

From Victor Akinkuolie Ado-Ekiti
The coordinating Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) in charge of Southwest, Mr. Abiodun Alabi, has said that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) will consider adopting drones and other technological means to make Ekiti State and other sub-nationals of the country crime-free.
Abiodun stated this on Monday in Ado-Ekiti during his maiden visit to Ekiti State police headquarters.
Speaking with journalists shortly after his visit, the police boss reiterated the readiness of the NPF to continue providing adequate security for the people of the country by making use of drones.
He disclosed that the police will also continue to imbibe various technologies to achieve a zero level of crime in the country.
According to him, “My coming to Ekiti State is to complete my assignment in the southwest geopolitical zone.
“My mission is in compliance with the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, who directed all DIGs in charge of the six geopolitical zones to embark on tours across the six geopolitical zones and assess the strategic deployment of our arsenals in crime fighting and see how our officers are doing their jobs.
“This is to enable us to know the challenges they are facing in the course of their duty so that they can be addressed appropriately, enhancing their capacity and flexibility in delivering good services and providing good security to the members of the public.
“It’s not over yet; technological improvement is essential. Gadgets like drones that will gather information for us, dig into kidnappers’ hideouts, and help us deal with them instead of just rescuing victims.
“Technology is very important; we will definitely migrate to imbibe technological advances. It’s obvious that we cannot effectively carry out policing work without involving technological devices to assist us.
“We are not shying away from the usage of drones; we are going to get used to it.”
Addressing the issue of manpower shortage in the force, the Senior Police Officer explained that “Manpower is as old as we are. With the constant recruitment of police officers into the force, we will overcome manpower issues.
“Manpower problems are peculiar to all the States, and I want to tell you that without maximum security, our economy cannot thrive.”
Alabi equally urged police officers to treat Ekiti citizens fairly by not infringing on their fundamental human rights, saying this will further the command in their policing strategies.
In his welcome address, the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Akinwale Adeniran, hailed the DIG for his proactive and selfless service in the Nigeria Police Force.
He added that the command under his leadership has successfully tamed the activities of criminal elements across the State by creating an enabling environment for Ekiti citizens through the adoption and implementation of community policing strategies.