The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) has commissioned 59 Armoured Toyota Hilux vehicles in Abuja, marking a major boost to the operational capacity of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in combating insecurity across the country.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the IGP emphasized that the credibility of the Police Force rests not on promises but on the tangible results it delivers in safeguarding lives and property. He described the deployment of the armoured vehicles as evidence of the Force’s readiness to confront evolving security threats with speed, resilience, and determination.
“These vehicles are not ceremonial assets,” the IGP declared. “They are operational reinforcements, designed to provide our tactical units with the protection, mobility, and durability they need to dominate the field. They represent our determination to move faster than criminals, respond stronger than threats, and assure citizens that their Police are not overwhelmed, but prepared.”
According to the IGP, the armoured Hilux vehicles are purpose-built for high-risk operations, capable of traversing diverse terrains and resisting hostile fire. However, he cautioned that equipment alone does not guarantee success, stressing that the discipline, courage, and integrity of officers, combined with the support of citizens, are essential to transforming these assets into effective tools of security.
The IGP further explained that the commissioning forms part of broader reforms underway in the NPF aimed at enhancing intelligence gathering, improving training, strengthening accountability, and modernizing operations. He noted that more of such vehicles would be delivered in the coming days until all police commands across the country are adequately equipped.
To ensure proper utilization, the IGP warned commanders and tactical units against misuse of the vehicles, insisting on “total accountability.” He directed that the vehicles must never sit idle, be diverted for personal use, or employed in ways that compromise the integrity of the Force.
“The citizens of Nigeria must begin to see these vehicles on our roads, in our towns, and in our vulnerable communities,” he said. “Their presence must translate into greater visibility, quicker response times, and improved safety outcomes.”
The IGP also used the occasion to send a stern warning to criminal groups: “This commissioning sends a direct message. The Police Force now has stronger tools to match determination with capability. Criminal groups will no longer enjoy the advantage of mobility or surprise.”
He reminded officers that every operation conducted with the vehicles must be lawful, proportionate, and professional, reiterating that the legitimacy of the Police rests not on force alone but also on respect for the rule of law.
The IGP expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his leadership and support in making the acquisition possible, pledging that the Force will justify the investment through discipline, professionalism, and measurable results in improving public safety.
LV