Kwara CP identifies manpower, logistics gaps in fight against crime

Ojo Adekimi, Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, has identified some operational gaps facing the command in combating criminality across the state.

Speaking on Thursday during the operational inspection tour of the Kwara Command by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 8 Headquarters, Lokoja, AIG Betty Isokpan Otimenyin, the police commissioner listed shortage of manpower, operational vehicles, communication equipment, surveillance capabilities and protective gadgets among the command’s operational gaps.

He explained that the geographical spread of the state and the need to maintain a presence across area commands, divisions, highways and border communities put enormous pressure on available personnel.

Adekimi, however, assured that despite the challenges, the command remained resilient in making judicious use of available resources to achieve the desired results.

According to him, the command has recorded significant breakthroughs in the fight against kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and other violent crimes across the state.

He said the successes were achieved through intelligence-led operations, coordinated tactical deployments and sustained visibility patrols along major highways, vulnerable communities and identified flashpoints.

The approach, he noted, led to the arrest of several suspects linked to various criminal activities, with arms, ammunition and other exhibits recovered during operations.

“Despite prevailing security challenges, the command has continued to record notable successes in the prevention and detection of crime,” Adekimi said.

“Significant progress has been made in combating kidnapping, armed robbery, cult-related activities and other violent crimes.”

The Commissioner said the operational posture of the command remained aligned with the vision of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, with emphasis on professionalism, intelligence-driven policing and operational effectiveness.

He attributed the achievements to improved intelligence gathering, strategic deployment, effective supervision and the dedication of officers and men who continue to work under difficult conditions.

Adekimi also commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his continued logistics support and interventions, which have enhanced the command’s operational capacity.

He stressed that operational success must go hand in hand with discipline, warning that misconduct, extortion, incivility, unnecessary checking of citizens’ phones and abuse of authority would not be tolerated.

He said the AIG’s inspection tour was timely and would further strengthen the command’s preparedness and professionalism.

“We assure the Zone and the Force Headquarters of our continued commitment to improving on our achievements and discharging our constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property,” he added.