Ekiti Govt distributes 100 operational vehicles to security agencies

Ekiti State Government on Monday distributed 100 operational vehicles to security agencies in the state as part of efforts to strengthen security operations, enhance rapid response to emergencies and improve the mobility of security personnel.

The State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, handed over the vehicles to the benefiting security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the State Security Service, local security networks in Ado-Ekiti, and others.

Mr Oyebanji said the gesture was another demonstration of his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

He said the vehicles would also support the eventual take-off of the proposed Ekiti State Police Outfit, describing the intervention as a “bolder step” towards addressing the recurring demand by security agencies for operational vehicles.

According to the governor, the administration had distributed patrol vehicles, Armoured Personnel Carriers, bulletproof vests, helmets, and other security equipment to security agencies in the state two years earlier.

“Lined up here are 100 units of security vehicles, primarily for operations and mobility of your personnel and the eventual take-off of the Ekiti State Police Outfit. This is in addition to our numerous interventions in the security sector in the state,” he said.

Mr Oyebanji assured the security agencies of his administration’s continued support, including regular monthly financial assistance and efforts to strengthen the capacity of state-owned security institutions.

He charged the security chiefs to reciprocate the government’s investment by intensifying patrols, improving strategic visibility and ensuring faster response to distress calls.

“With the provision of these vehicles, I will want to see increased patrols, strategic visibility, faster response and spontaneous agility on the part of your men. There should be no reasons for excuses, lapses or unprofessional conduct,” he said.

He also urged security and intelligence agencies to maximise the use of surveillance technology available in the state and to work collaboratively rather than operate in silos.

The governor disclosed that the administration had begun discussions with CIG Motors about establishing a garage in Ekiti to ensure regular maintenance of the vehicles.

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He further appealed to the benefiting agencies to take proper care of the vehicles, stressing that effective maintenance would ensure their longevity and sustained operational usefulness.

Mr Oyebanji also appealed to security personnel to remain vigilant as the state prepares for its forthcoming inauguration activities and the 2027 general elections, stressing the need for all stakeholders to work together to preserve the peace in Ekiti.

Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the governor on Security Matters, Ebenezer Ogundana, a retired brigadier general, said the Oyebanji administration is committed to the security of citizens’ lives and property, hence the renewed investment in the security sector.

He declared that following the government’s deliberate efforts and investment, Ekiti was ranked the most peaceful state in the country, adding that the vehicles would enhance the operational efficiency of the security agencies.