The Governor of kogi state Alhaji Yahaya Bello has warned fleeing bandits from neighbouring states to stay off the state or be ready to meet their Waterloo.
The Governor gave the warning on Wednesday in Lokoja , during the official launch of Rapid Response Squad RRS of the Nigerian Security and civil Defence Corps to deal swiftly with Security emergencies across the state.
He said , the state has enjoyed relative peace and security due to synergy and cooperation of his administration with the security agencies, noting that the launch of Rapid Response Squad today is very crucial to the fortification of security architecture of the state.
Governor Bello who was represented at the ceremony by the state security adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara Retd commended the Security outfit for her proactiveness and synergy with other security services which has contributed immensely to making the state the safest in the country.
He said the launch of RRS by the NSCDC in the state would contribute immensely to the reduction of insecurity, crimes and criminality and urged officers and men of the squad to remain committed to professionalism and to observe high level integrity in the discharge of their duties.
While commending the NSCDC for tackling some security challenges, promise to support the service with logistic and other necessary equipment that will enhance their efficiency.
Earlier, the state Commandant of the NSCDC , Suleiman Ibrahim Marafa commended the Commandant General Mohammed Audi PHD for setting up the squad in the 36 states and FCT to beef up security emergencies in order to change insecurity situation across the country, stressing that , the outfit has become one of the successes of his 100 days in office
According to him” The emphasis is to enforce safe school policy of the federal government. Kogi is launching its own today and we are mandated to consider the physical, mental fitness and behavioural disposition of the officers who have been carefully selected and absorbed in the squad
“The team is a test of responsibilities and they are to respond to emergencies in the state by their their multifaceted , multidimensional in departmental approach to disasters of chemical, vandalism and environmental challenges.
” The squad is an inter agency collaboration in terms of response to disasters and emergencies and criminal activities as they are to serve as first aid or to offer first solution to disasters.
” The squad committed to serving humanity, to foster relationship with state government, not only to sustain existing cooperation but to strengthen it, hence, total cooperation of the citizenry is required to make the state free of criminal elements”. He solicited
In a remark, the squad commander , Joe Pamdep assured the people of their commitment to rid the state of all criminal elements.
Highlights of the Occasion was the display of tactical control by the over 70 members of the squad in stripling and coupling of the firearms.