In a move to checkmate criminal activities in the nation, the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba Alkali Baba, has acquired three high-powered Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for improved armed surveillance operations.
This was aimed at further manifesting IGP’s determination to integrate the use of innovative technology in the law enforcement duties of the Nigeria Police Force.
Disclosing this in a statement on Wednesday, November 9, 2022, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said that the newly-acquired drones would assist the police in monitoring active crime scenes, coordinating response operations, and providing armed aerial support to officers on reconnaissance operations.
The three UAVs are said to be rotary wing aircrafts capable of flying up to an altitude of 1000 feet with high operational endurance and capacity of firing at acquired threats and targets from reasonable distances.
The FPRO stated further that the Nigeria Police Airwing has equally concluded trainings for the operators of the drones in partnership with foreign experts who had been consulted for trainings and maintenance of the drones.
“The IGP has directed the immediate and strategic deployment of these drones based on necessity, while three more UAVs of the same specifications are still expected at the shortest possible time,” CSP Adejobi added.
The IGP, who reiterated the constant deployment and judicious use of the drones, ordered total clampdown on non-state actors and criminals in Nigeria.
He also warned criminal elements across the country to steer clear and turn a new leaf, failure of which would render the environment not conducive for them.