- As IGP Promises Improved Safety and Security at the Nation’s Airports and Gateways
In line with international best practice and his sworn resolve to drastically reduce crime, provide and maintain safety and security of persons, protect vulnerable and critical government infrastructures, reduce possibility of arms smuggling through our Airports and generally bolster the war against terror, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP MD Abubakar, CFR, NPM, mni, psc has ordered the immediate deployment of sniffer dogs to the nation’s Airports.
At the official flag off ceremony which took place, Thursday, 20th February, 2014 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, the IGP, who was represented by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, DIG Zuokumor Michael, fwc, stated that the sniffer-dogs will, among other things, be used for detecting explosives, rescue operations, perimeter patrols, patrols of parking lots and the apprehension of offenders resisting or attempting to evade arrest. He charged the dog handlers to respect the fundamental rights of the citizens and also work in collaboration with other security agencies towards providing effective security at the Airports. The IGP also called for the cooperation of the general public, assuring them that his administration would do all that is necessary to provide them with optimum security.
Meanwhile, the first phase of the deployment of the sniffer-dogs has commenced with the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, Murtala Mohammed International Airport I and II, Lagos and Port-Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa. Others are Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, Jos Airport as well as Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.
It will be recalled that this development is in line with IGP’s New Year message to all Nigerians of a more proactive and extensive security measures to avert any threats or potentially dangerous situations from arising or entering into the country.
CSP FRANK E. MBA
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
FORCE HEADQUARTERS,
ABUJA
