IGP sends three drones to key sites

Usman Alkali Baba, the Inspector General of Police, has purchased three very effective unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for better armed surveillance operations to stop criminal activity in the nation.

This was said in a statement provided to journalists in Abuja by CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO).

The action was “an further expression of the IGP’s resolve to integrate the use of new technology in the law enforcement operations of the Nigeria Police Force,” the statement said.

It was reported that the recently acquired drones would undoubtedly help the Police in keeping an eye on active crime scenes, coordinating response efforts, and giving police on reconnaissance missions armed aerial support.

“The recently acquired UAVs are rotary wing aircrafts capable of flying up to an altitude of 1000ft with great operational endurance and capacity to fire at acquired threats and targets from appropriate distances,” it states.

In collaboration with foreign experts who were consulted for training and maintenance of the drones, the Nigeria Police Airwing has also completed training for drone operators.

The document went on to explain that the head of the police department had ordered the strategic and immediate deployment of these drones based on necessity, while also stating that three other UAVs with the same specs were still anticipated to arrive as soon as possible.

The IGP reportedly ordered a complete crackdown on non-state actors and criminals in Nigeria while also reiterating the constant deployment and prudent use of drones. The IGP also reportedly warned criminal elements across the country to stay away and turn a new leaf otherwise the environment would not be conducive for them and they may meet their waterloo as soon as possible.

It continued by saying that the Inspector-General of Police had reiterated the administration’s firm resolve to keep looking into how technology may be used to combat crime and criminality while enlisting the public’s complete assistance in terms of information collecting and vigilance.