Nigeria FG plans police transit camps

ABUJA – In appreciation of the difficulties faced by police officers and men in transit as a result of transfers and movement for special duties, the Federal Government is taking steps to provide comfortable transit camps in all police divisions nationwide.

Minister of Police Affairs, Navy-Captain Caleb Olubolade (rtd), said this during a surprise visit to Garki Divisional Police Headquarters in Abuja.

The minister, who was piqued by the living conditions of some police officers on special duties, some of whom were sleeping on bare-floor at the station, said the Transit Camps to be built will be provided with mini-sporting facilities, restaurants, television viewing centres and gymnasiums to cater for the mental and physical fitness of officers.

According to the minister, the Federal Government will commence massive construction of new modern barracks and renovation of existing ones for which appropriation will be made in the 2012 budget already being prepared.

Olubolade described some of the barracks being occupied by police officers  as unfit for human habitation and commended the officers for their gallantry and dedication to duty in spite of difficulties encountered in the course of serving their fatherland.

Earlier, the Garki Divisional Police Officer, Chief Superintendent Tony Olofu, had told the minister that the division, lacks  basic necessities like office and residential accommodation,operational vehicles and communication equipment.

He commended the Minister for embarking on such surprise visits in order to appreciate the operational conditions of the officers and men of the Force.

-By KINGSLEY OMONOBI 

Source: Vanguard