WorldStage Newsonline-- Lagos State Government has handed over two patrol vessels to Nigeria Navy to enhance surveillance and security of the waterways.
The vessels, known as Croq 450 VGT, are technically equipped to see clearly under darkness including any hiding object. Besides, it is fitted with gun mounts and multi - ammunition capability for defensive manoeuvres.
While handing over the gun boats to the authority, Fashola noted that security forces in Nigeria have capabilities adding what needed to be done is to listen to them when they make suggestions on security matters.
The governor emphasized the need to take another look at the structure of security in Nigeria, stressing that decentralization of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) remains the best option, and that it will only be reasonable for states who fund security agencies to also lay claim to them.
“The idea of a decentralized police force is an idea whose time has come”, he said and called on those urging the state to make more of the vessels available to join their voice in the clamour for more funds for the states.
“If we have more funds, you will definitely have more”, he said.
In his reaction, Flag Office Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Aminu Ikioda thanked the governor for the gesture, stressing that provision of the vessels could not have come at a better time.
Speaking through Commander NNS Beecroft, Commodore Martins Njoku, he said the boats will assist security agencies to make their presence felt along the coastline, adding that they will be used basically to prevent dumping of waste along the waterways.
Ikioda called on the governor to provide more of the vessels so as to effectively tackle security challenges on the water ways.
In his address Commissioner of Police Lagos State Umaru Manko noted that the task of policing the state has been made easier by the provision of requisite infrastructures by the state government.
“Everything needed by the police to perform effectively is here”, he said, adding that policemen posted to the state have no excuse to fail.
Earlier, Executive Secretary, Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Mr. Fola Arthur-Worrey thanked Fashola for his relentless pursuit of security of her citizens and visitors, stressing that the gunboats provided have both offshore and onshore capabilities.
