By Salam Saheed
The Federal Government has intensified efforts to strengthen security along Nigeria’s border communities with the commencement of a Smart Police Station project in Saki, Oyo State, expected to be completed within six months.
The assurance was given by the Nigerian Police Trust Fund (NPTF) during a site visit to the proposed project location, where the host community formally handed over the land designated for the construction of the facility.
The delegation comprised the Head of Projects, QS Lawal Aliyu; Head of Procurement, Adebayo Wasiu Alaraje; CSP Salisu Ahmad; OC Works, Oyo State Police Command, Opeyemi Adeniji; and the project contractor, Lanre Babalola.
Speaking during the visit, QS Lawal Aliyu assured the Okere of Saki, members of the Okere-in-Council and other stakeholders that the Smart Police Station would be delivered within six months, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to modernising policing infrastructure and enhancing internal security.
He also pledged to return with the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund and other senior officials to commission the project upon its completion within the stipulated timeframe.
Responding on behalf of the Okere of Saki, the Okere-in-Council and the Saki Parapo, Chairman of the apex socio-cultural body, Elder Wole Oladokun, described the project as a significant milestone in the fight against insecurity, kidnapping and other criminal activities across the Oke-Ogun region.
He commended the Federal Government for approving the establishment of the Smart Police Station in Saki, describing the border town as the most strategic location for the project because of its proximity to neighbouring states and international border routes.
According to Oladokun, the facility, to be sited along the border corridor, will strengthen security surveillance, intelligence gathering and rapid response to criminal activities, benefiting not only communities in Oke-Ogun but also adjoining areas of Kwara State.
He expressed appreciation to the Federal Government and the Nigeria Police Trust Fund for the initiative, describing it as timely in view of the prevailing security challenges across the country.
Oladokun thereafter formally handed over the land for the project to the Police Trust Fund, assuring the delegation of the community’s full support towards its successful execution.
The Smart Police Station is expected to deploy modern security technology and intelligence-driven policing to improve crime prevention, surveillance and emergency response across the border region.
The project will be executed by Hency Integrated Supplies and Services Ltd.
Before proceeding to the project site, the delegation paid a courtesy and working visit to the palace of the Okere of Saki, where they briefed members of the Okere-in-Council on the Smart Police Station project before inspecting the proposed site.