Cattle rustling: IGP approves creation of new mopol squadron at Kontagora

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim K. Idris, has performed the groundbreaking of a new Police Mobile Force Squadron at Kontagora Local Government Area of Niger State.

The aim of his approval of the Police Mobile Force Squadron, according to the Police boss, is to tackle cattle rustling, kidnapping and armed banditry in the North-Central and North-West regions of the country.

The IGP performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of NO.61 PMF permanent base last Monday at Tungan-Wawa, Kontagora, while the structure includes administrative and accommodation blocks as well as sporting and recreation facilities.

A press statement signed by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Bala Elkana, in Minna, the state capital, on Wednesday, said the Kontagora Mobile Squadron would commence operation from its temporary site, before the completion of the permanent site.

According to Elkana, the IGP, in his remarks at the groundbreaking ceremony, stated that the Police Mobile Force was established as a strike and anti-riot unit of the force, to counter incidents of civil disturbances and insurgency.

“He assured Nigerians that the police will spare nothing to ensure that it adequately respond to crisis and incidents, tactically and professionally, creating confidence in the heart of citizenry.

He called on other state governments to emulate the laudable action of Niger State government and Kontagora emirate council, in donating land to assist the Nigeria Police to build more Mobile Squadrons nationwide.”

In his remarks, the state governor, Alhaji  Abubakar Sani Bello, who was the special guest of honour on the occasion, commended the effort of the police in maintaining peace in the state and the  nation at large, while assuring  the Police of the continuous support of the government and people of Niger State.

Earlier in his welcome address, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Zubairu Muazu, identified cattle rustling, kidnapping, armed banditry and communal clashes as major security challenges in Niger State.

He said the command, through its sustained operations in the last few months ,was able to arrest and prosecute 40 notorious cattle rustlers, kidnappers and armed bandits, as well as recovering various assorted arms and ammunition from the hoodlums.

Meanwhile, in attendance at the ground breaking ceremony were DIG Department of Logistics and Supply, Force Headquarters Abuja, AIG CTU, Compol Mopol, Honourable Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries, DGs, Advisers, Local Government Chairmen, HRH Sarkin Sudan Kontagora, Heads of various security agencies, among others.