Joy Anyim
To boost the performance of the police force in Lagos State, the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Lagos Province 47, has renovated the K9 Unit of the Force Animal Branch, in Ikeja.
The church organisation had, on Monday, officially handed over the unit to the Lagos Police Command.
Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Zubairu Muazu, who received keys to the renovated section, commended the church for the gesture.
CP Muazu noted that the intervention was timely and would help boost crime prevention in the state.
The police boss, who was represented by Deputy Commissioner of Police in Charge of Finance and Administration, DCP Oqua Etim, also described the gesture as ‘historic’.
According to the police boss, “ Police Canine Section was established in 1963 at Obalende, Lagos with six dogs and six handlers. The function of K9 section is to prevent and detect crime through the use of dogs.
“Police dogs are used for crowd control, perimeter surveillance and cordoning. Sniffer dogs help in detecting illicit drugs like cocaine, heroin, hemps, even explosives, arms and concealed corpse.
“They equally help in tracking suspects, search and rescue operations, searching for weapons and recovery of loss or stolen properties.
“Dogs are used for apprehension of offenders resisting arrest or attempting to evade service. Police Dogs can perform the function of 10 armed officers. K9 section, Lagos State command covers every part of Lagos.
“Join me in thanking the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Lagos Province 47, for renovating the kennel and dilapidated K9 building, donating a bore-hole and training facilities for the dogs. The church also brought a 5KVA generator.
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“These incentives are to facilitate the optimal utilization of the Police dogs in crime prevention, detection and apprehension of criminal.
“The use of the newly purchased training facilities will boost the performance of the trained dogs to help achieve the above-mentioned goals which will in turn lower crime rate in Lagos State.”
Commissioner of Police in charge of Animal Branch, Aishatu Abubakar, also commended the church for the gesture, adding that it would not have come at a better time.
Her words, “The Force Animal Branch is indeed grateful to the leadership of the Redeemed Christian Church of God especially Province 47 pastorate for finding our facility worthy of intervention by its Christian Social Responsibility programme.
“Similarly, may I call on other well meaning Nigerians to also emulate this kind gesture exhibited by the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
“By doing so, you will definitely be contributing immensely to the safety of our dear country.
“In the same vein, permit me at this junction to bring to you the special commendations of the Inspector General of Police and his management team.
“It is his directives that I reassure you of his commitment in not only ensuring a crime free Lagos but Nigeria at Large.
“Let me also at this junction particularly admonish my staff here in Lagos to see this kind of intervention as a call to serve,” she said.
Representing the church, Pastor Idowu Oluwamade, said the initiative was a part of the Christian Social Responsibility programme to contribute towards the development of the society.
Pastor Oluwamade added he hoped the gesture would boost the morale of officers at the K9 section to give their best while they discharge their duties.
