IGP inaugurates operational vehicles, warns against misuse

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olukayode Egbetokun, has inaugurated 59 Armoured Toyota Hilux operational vehicles with a warning against diversion of the vehicles for private errand or misuse.

Inaugurating the vehicles on Friday in Abuja, Mr Egbetokun called for accountability in using the vehicles on the part of commanders and tactical units who would take custody.

“To the commanders and tactical units who will take custody of these Hiluxes: accountability will be total, and the vehicles must never sit idle while Nigerians face danger.

“They must never be diverted for private errands or misused in ways that diminish the integrity of the force; they are operational assets, and will be monitored as such,” he said.

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He said the inauguration of the 59 Armoured Toyota Hilux vehicles represented the determination of the Nigeria Police Force to move faster than the criminals.

According to him, it also represented the commitment of the force to respond stronger than the threats, and assure citizens that their police are not overwhelmed, but prepared.

“Each of the Hiluxes is purpose-built for high-risk operations.

“Armoured against hostile fire, equipped for mobility across diverse terrains, and designed for durability, providing tactical units with the protection and speed they need to dominate the field.

“They are not ceremonial assets; they are operational reinforcements for missions that test the very resilience of our officers,” he said.

Mr Egbetokun said the equipment alone would not guarantee results, adding that the discipline, judgment, and courage of officers in operating them would transform the vehicles into instruments of security.

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According to him, the vehicles will provide the shield, but our officers must provide the integrity; otherwise, the machines will be powerless.

He said the inauguration of the vehicles was one element in a broader reform plan for the Nigerian Police Force.

The police chief stated that the force was undergoing a deliberate restructuring to strengthen operations, enhance intelligence gathering, improve training, and enforce accountability at every level.

(NAN)