Akpabio Pledges NASS Support for Better Policing in Nigeria

Towards enhancing security and law enforcement in Nigeria, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has pledged the National Assembly’s full cooperation and support for better policing in the country.

This commitment was made at the maiden edition of the Nigeria Police Awards and Commendations Ceremony held in Abuja on Monday evening.

Addressing the audience, which included Vice President Kashim Shettima, Akpabio emphasized the importance of a well-equipped and motivated police force in ensuring the safety and well-being of Nigerian citizens.

He promised that the National Assembly would continue to work tirelessly to provide the necessary legislative framework and resources to enable the police to carry out their duties effectively.

Akpabio commended the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the entire leadership of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) for organizing the event and urged them to use the occasion to celebrate the achievements of the Nigeria Police Force.

He reiterated the commitment to working together for a safer and more secured Nigeria.

The Senate President highlighted the need to address the challenges faced by the police in Nigeria, such as the ever-evolving landscape of crime and the increasing sophistication of criminal gangs.

He emphasized the importance of weeding out bad officers to strengthen the police force and called for the support and cooperation of all stakeholders to overcome these challenges.

At the ceremony, posthumous awards were given in memorial recognition of seven police personnel killed at Ughelli Forest in Delta State on February 20, 2024.

Representatives of the families of the deceased received the awards and cheques for their entitlements.

Akpabio announced a personal donation of N1 million to each of the families and a commitment from the Senate to support them with N20 million.

Kano State governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, also pledged a donation of N20 million to support the families of the deceased.

Vice President Kashim Shettima commended Akpabio and the Kano State governor for their “show of empathy” to the affected families, underscoring the importance of unity and support in addressing the challenges faced by law enforcement in Nigeria.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with security challenges, the pledge of support from the National Assembly and the recognition of the sacrifices made by police personnel serve as important steps towards a safer and more secure future for the nation.