Governor Bako Lalong of plateau State has commended the Commandant General of Nigeria Security And Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for his efforts of repositioning the security architecture in State.
The Governor Stated this during the Inaugural passing out parade of the officers and men of the Plateau State Command of Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) held on 9th August,21 at the Rwang Pam Township Stadium jos .
The Governor represented by the Secretary to the Governor professor Danladi Atu welcome the Commandant General of the Corps, Dr. A.A Audi, to Plateau State ,and congratulated him for bringing in new innovations to the operations of the Corps since taking office.
“Here in Plateau State, we are witnesses to the fact that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has contributed tremendously to the attainment of peace and security of our State.”
The Governor lamented the recent sad experience as a State and the current situation we face as a country reaffirms that without peace and security, we cannot achieve any meaningful development,hence the reason why peace and security remains the priority of APC administration in the state .
He further stressed that on assumption of office as the Executive Governor of plateau state, I resolved to find lasting solutions to the lingering crises on the Plateau and to return the State to its pride of place as the Home of Peace and Tourism.
“To ensure we achieve this objective, we established the Plateau Peace Building Agency with a clear mandate to drive the peace and reconciliation process and institutionalize the concept of peace beyond our administration”.
Similarly, we continued to support and strengthen the security agencies in the State by providing them with logistics and equipment to perform better.
“Only recently, we procured and distributed 50 patrol vehicles and 200 security motorcycles to various security agencies in the State. The NSCDC also took possession of its share.”
We have also ensured that the Operation Rainbow which enjoys a lot of support from the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, is reformed and given more impetus to perform.
Through its operations and the collaboration of the Community Policing Constabulary as well as other community watch groups, we have been able to enhance the security of the State.
Lalong lamented that despite the Government’s efforts,we have continued to witness desperate attempts by crises merchants to resurrect violence and destruction in particular, recent isolated killings in some parts of the State such as in Dong, Jos North; Kwi in Riyom LGA; Barkin Ladi LGA; and Irigwe, Bassa LGA gives us serious concerns.
“I am particularly saddened by the recent wanton destruction of lives, properties and the deliberate destruction of farmlands and crops in many communities across Bassa.
This the Governor said the trend is unacceptable and I personally condemn in the strongest terms, the premeditated destruction and carnage brought upon our people by enemies of Peace and stability.
He explained that in the last Security Council Meeting held recently, I repeated my charge to the security agencies to deal decisively with those who are behind these attacks and safeguard our people.
I reminded them that there is a standing order by the President and Commander in Chief Muhammadu Buhari that unauthorized persons carrying AK 47 should be shot at sight.
“I expect all the security agencies to step up their operations in these areas and ensure they smoke out all militia groups from their operational bases.”
” Let me assure the citizens that our administration will never fold its arms to see few criminals take Plateau State back to those dark days of pain and sorrow. “
The Governor congratulated the newly trained officers and personnel of the NSCDC who have been given specialized training in weapons handling and urge the Command to deploy them systematically to critical areas to enable them confront criminals that are threatening the peace and security of our people.
“You know where these criminals are and you have my support to get in there and flush them out to be brought to justice. In particular, I want you to deploy personnel to the farms to protect our farmers who are being harassed by criminals and having their crops destroyed for no reason. These food terrorists must be stopped at all costs.”
“In the same vein, I wish to urge the newly trained personnel to be very professional and careful in handling weapons that will be put in your hands,they are not for oppressing the citizens but for protecting them.
However asked them to bear in mind that you shall be held personally accountable for misusing the weapons put in your hands in public trust.
“Also ensure that you resist the temptation to engage in unlawful assignments and conducts that are not authorized simply because you want to extort people and make money. Other acts such as collusion with criminals to commit crime will also not go unpunished. As the chief security officer of the State, I will not tolerate misconduct from any security official, whether high or low. “
However, I assure the security agencies in the State particularly the NSCDC of the consistent support and collaboration of my administration in making their task easier. We are benefitting enormously from your presence in the rural areas and in intelligence gathering. Because of your training in dealing with the civilian population, we see you as a great partner.
Let me again congratulate the State Commandant of the NSCDC who within the short time of his posting to Plateau State has shown great enthusiasm and determination to make the State more secure and crime-free.
“To the personnel who are passing out today, I rejoice with you for enduring this rigorous training and passing the test.
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