ILORIN, NIGERIA — The Kwara State Police Command has appealed to the state government and relevant stakeholders for additional operational vehicles, Armoured Personnel Carriers, and surveillance equipment to enhance its capacity to combat crime and respond effectively to security threats across the state.
The appeal was made on Wednesday by the Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, CP Garba Ahmed, during a stakeholder engagement in Ilorin, where he presented an overview of the command’s operational challenges and achievements. He noted that the command had recorded significant successes in crime-fighting in recent months, including the arrest of suspected kidnappers, armed robbers, and other criminal elements, as well as the recovery of arms and ammunition.
However, he stressed that the command’s operations were being hampered by inadequate logistics and equipment, which he said were essential for effective policing in a state with diverse security challenges.
“To sustain and improve on the gains we have recorded, we need more operational vehicles, APCs, and modern surveillance equipment. Policing in the 21st century requires technology, mobility, and intelligence-driven operations,” Ahmed stated. “We are appealing to the state government, corporate organisations, and well-meaning individuals to support the command in this regard.”
The Commissioner noted that the command currently operates with a limited number of vehicles, many of which are ageing and in need of repair. He said additional APCs would enhance the command’s capacity to respond to high-risk situations, including armed robbery, banditry, and kidnapping. He also emphasised the need for surveillance equipment, including drones and CCTV cameras, to improve intelligence gathering and crime prevention.
The Kwara State Government has consistently supported security agencies in the state, including the provision of vehicles and other logistics. In 2024, the government donated vehicles to the police and other security agencies to enhance their operations. However, the police say more support is needed to meet the growing demands of policing in the state.
Stakeholders at the engagement, including traditional rulers, community leaders, and representatives of civil society organisations, commended the command for its efforts in reducing crime and assured the Commissioner of their support. The Oloro of Oro, Oba AbdulRafiu Olaniyi Oyelaran, who spoke on behalf of the traditional rulers, urged the government to prioritise the provision of security equipment, noting that security was the foundation of development.
The Commissioner also used the opportunity to appeal to residents to provide timely information to the police, stressing that community policing was essential to the success of crime-fighting efforts. He assured the public that the command would continue to prioritise the safety and security of all residents, and that any information provided would be treated with confidentiality.
The appeal comes as the Kwara State Government prepares to present its 2027 budget, with expectations that security will feature prominently in the government’s expenditure plans. For now, the police command continues to make do with its current resources, but the appeal for more vehicles and equipment underscores the need for sustained investment in security infrastructure in the state.
