by Isi Esene

President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday in Abuja commissioned seven helicopters, 500 patrol vans, and armoured personnel vehicles signifying his government’s redoubled efforts at combating crime in the country.

The commissioning which took place at the grand parade of the Police week saw the president condoling with the families of terror attack victims assuring them that the government will take care of them.

Jonathan said, “A lot of policemen have lost their lives to terrorism attacks. Let me use this opportunity to condole families of those who lost their lives. I want to assure you (families) that government will continue to care for the loved ones left behind.

“I expect these equipment will help improve the response time to distress calls to the police. I also want to advise the police to improve on the maintenance capability of the force. I have observed that the armed forces, now have very good and formidable teams that maintain their equipment and facilities. The police should do same,” he said.

Jonathan lamented the state of security in the nation saying the country is going through challenging times.

“This is a trying moment in this country in terms of security challenges,” he said.

The Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Dahiru Abubakar, stated that with the additional security equipment commissioned by the president, the police force is re-energised to face upcoming challenges.

He warned the criminal community in the country to brace up for a renewed crackdown by the force.

Abubakar reportedly said, “A cultural re-orientation that is premised on adoption of international best policing practices is emerging, and the new police force will display team spirit, loyalty, zeal, courage, civility and renewed commitment towards confronting criminal elements.

Observers have voiced out displeasure over the government’s seeming inability to combat the increased spate of violent crimes in the country such as kidnapping, armed robbery, terrorism, rape, piracy, pipeline vandalism and more.