By Odita Sunday
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Friday in Abuja commissioned 59 Armoured Toyota Hilux vehicles for Special Operation Abuja, declaring that the Force is moving from promises to performance in the fight against insecurity.
“An institution earns credibility not by words, but by results it is able to deliver,” the IGP said. “These 59 vehicles are evidence that this Force does not trade in promises – it delivers capacity.”
According to him, the deployment of the vehicles comes at a critical moment when insecurity across the continent has continued to evolve in complexity and intensity. “The answer cannot be hesitation or half-measures; it must be readiness backed by resources,” he stressed.
Egbetokun explained that each of the Hilux vehicles is purpose-built for high-risk operations, armoured against hostile fire, and designed for durability across diverse terrains. “They are not ceremonial assets – they are operational reinforcements for missions that test the very resilience of our officers,” he declared.
The police chief, however, cautioned that equipment alone cannot guarantee security without integrity and discipline. “The Hiluxes will provide the shield, but our officers must provide the integrity. Without that, machines are powerless,” he said.
On accountability, Egbetokun warned commanders and tactical units against abuse and diversion of the vehicles. “These vehicles must never sit idle while Nigerians face danger. They must never be diverted for private errands or misused in ways that diminish the integrity of this Force,” he said firmly.
The IGP assured Nigerians that the vehicles would translate directly into greater visibility, quicker response times, and safer communities. He also issued a stern message to criminal groups: “The Police Force now has stronger tools to match determination with capability. Criminal groups will no longer enjoy the advantage of mobility or surprise.”
While thanking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support, the IGP pledged that the Force would justify the investment with professionalism and results. “We will judge ourselves not by the ceremony of today but by the results of tomorrow – safer communities, lower crime rates, and restored confidence. Nothing less will be acceptable,” he said.