The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, has asked state and local governments to partner with the police to tackle existing and emerging security challenges.

Mr Baba made the call on Wednesday while inaugurating the new complex and barracks of Mobile Police Force (MPF) 76 Squadron, Agu-Ekwegbe, near Nsukka, as well as an ultra modern Inyi Divisional Police Station and accommodation, all in Enugu State.

The IGP appreciated the Enugu State government for building and donating the new complex and barracks in Agu-Ekwegbe to the Nigeria police.

According to him, “our sincere gratitude goes to Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and the good people of Enugu State for providing an excellent working place and accommodation for police personnel to rest at the end of the day.”

He also thanked the Agu-Ekwegbe community for providing the expanded land for the complex and cooperating with the contractor who handled the complex.

“I am calling on the new MPF 76 Squadron Commander to reciprocate the good gesture of the good people of Enugu State by ensuring adequate and robust security within this area.

“I will be donating an additional Hilux jeep to the new squadron, 10 AK-47, one general purpose machine gun, body armours and one Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) to be collected immediately from the Force Headquarters.

On the governor’s request for a deployment of Special Forces to the state, more units for the new MPF 76 Squadron, the release of units of MPF 3 Squadron working outside the state and more APC among others, The IGP said “we will make efforts to deploy Special Forces to the state but you have to provide the needed accommodation for them.

“I have given authority to the new Squadron Commander to recruit more mobile police personnel from all divisions, units and squads within the state.

“As you have requested, I will release back to you, units of the Mobile Police Force 3 Squadron before now in assignments outside the state,” he added.

Mr Baba urged the Inyi community to help protect the ultra modern Inyi Divisional Police Station, saying it was meant to serve them and the Oji River council area in general.

“I am also charging police personnel to serve the community and the council area with professionalism and elicit the people’s confidence to gain information and intelligence from them for effective policing,” he said.

The police boss noted that the security challenges in the South-East and the country in general was surmountable with the close partnership of the people with the police.

Earlier, governor Ugwuanyi thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for his continuous investment in security and safety of all Nigerians, especially the residents of Enugu.

The governor also appreciated president Buhari for approving the establishment of the MPF 76 Squadron in the state, adding that it had already started full operation in the state.

He said the state would further support the new squadron with a Hilux jeep, five motorcycles and two generating sets to rid this axis of criminality and criminal elements.

“This project is one among a series of interventions of the state government to ensure that Enugu State remains the safest state in the country; as well as guarantee peace, security and safety at all times.

“As a government, we will continue to support and complement the activities of various security agencies serving in the state, especially the Nigeria Police,” he said.

The new MPF 76 Squadron complex consists of an administrative block with offices and a conference hall, provost office, two quarters for the commander and his assistant, clinic, canteen, transit hall, solar lighting, generating set, standard parade ground among others.

(NAN)