By Amara Ehia, Abakaliki
Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State Friday commissioned 31 patrol vehicles for security agencies operating in the state, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the protection of lives and property.
The governor handed over the vehicles at the Government House, Abakaliki, as part of activities marking this year’s Democracy Day celebration, shortly after inspecting a guard of honour mounted by officers of the Nigeria Police Force.
The event attracted heads of security formations, government officials and community leaders across the state.
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Speaking during the ceremony, Nwifuru commended security agencies for their dedication, professionalism and sacrifices in combating crime and sustaining peace in the state.
He described security operatives in Ebonyi as “men of honour,” noting that they had demonstrated exceptional commitment through both conventional and technology-driven approaches to security operations.
The governor expressed satisfaction with the synergy among security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigerian Correctional Service, Federal Road Safety Corps, Department of State Services and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
“I am one of the luckiest governors in this country because of the calibre of security leaders serving in Ebonyi State. They are committed officers, men of character, with enormous intellectual capacity,” he said.
Reflecting on the security situation when he assumed office on May 29, 2023, the governor recalled the uncertainties that confronted his administration and praised successive Commissioners of Police for strengthening the state’s security architecture.
According to him, several security commanders who served in the state earned promotions as a result of their outstanding performance and dedication to duty.
“This did not happen by coincidence. It happened because of the quality of service they rendered in Ebonyi State. God Almighty has rewarded them through those promotions,” he stated.
Nwifuru further disclosed that his administration had invested heavily in modern security equipment, including drones and other advanced technological tools, to improve intelligence gathering and crime prevention across the state.
While declining to disclose details of some of the gadgets for security reasons, he maintained that the equipment had significantly enhanced the state’s capacity to monitor criminal activities and respond swiftly to threats.
“We have drones and other security equipment that can help us track criminal activities and provide critical information. These are among the major tools helping us combat insecurity in Ebonyi State,” he said.
The governor explained that the procurement of the patrol vehicles became necessary following mobility challenges faced by security operatives at the grassroots after the withdrawal of vehicles previously allocated to local government neighbourhood watch units.
He stressed that security remained the primary responsibility of government, assuring security agencies of continued support from his administration.
As political activities ahead of future elections gather momentum, Nwifuru urged security agencies to remain professional and avoid distractions arising from allegations by political actors.
“This is political period, and there will be allegations from opposition parties. Remain professional, focus on the facts, and carry out your duties without fear or favour. God Almighty will speak for you,” he charged.
