By Nudoiba Ojen
The Global Security-Sector-Reform Foundation (GS-Foundation) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the Police Reform and Transformation Office (PORTO), have handed over state-of-the-art equipment designed for a 2,000-bed capacity mobile barracks to the Nigeria Police Force.
This significant initiative, to enhance NPF’s operational effectiveness, particularly with regards to the establishment of the Special Intervention Squad (SIS), is aimed at buoying up the welfare and deployment capabilities of the force, was unveiled during a handover ceremony at the Police College Ikeja on Friday.
The facility, which includes modular components such as military-grade tents, fully equipped field kitchens, medical clinics and modern toilet and washroom, facilities is part of the Supporting Police Reform Processes in Nigeria Project funded by the Federal Foreign Office of the Government of Germany and implemented by UNDP and GS-Foundation in collaboration with PORTO and the NPF.
The acting Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, said that “this initiative underscores the dedication of the NPF to modernizing law enforcement and will undoubtedly enhance the safety and security of communities across the nation.
The IGP acknowledged the significant contribution of the German Government to the NPF and expressed gratitude to the collaborative efforts of UNDP, GS-Foundation, PORTO, and the Federal Foreign Office of the Government of Germany.
The Chief Executive Officer of PORTO, Tunji Lardner, emphasized the alignment of the initiative with their comprehensive reform strategy and lauded the IGP for his exceptional leadership in the strategic partnership.
Lardner expressed gratitude to the German Federal Foreign Office (FFO), GS-Foundation, and UNDP for their unwavering support in this critical national endeavor.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said, in a statement that “the mobile nature of these barracks enables rapid field deployments to various locations across the federation”.
