President Goodluck Jonathan Tuesday commissioned the Nigeria Police International Peacekeeping Centre and Force Museum at Louis Edet House, Abuja, charging officers and men of the force to intensify effort in securing the lives and property of Nigerians.
The President expressed delight that the centre would assist in combating terrorism through regular training of officers and men in modern peacekeeping strategies.
“I am most delighted to be here today at the invitation of the Inspector-General of Police to commission the police museum and the Nigeria Police International Peacekeeping Institute. I am indeed pleased to know that these two projects have been initiated by the police management in support of the policy thrust of this present administration aimed at building and sustaining a strong, capable and efficient police force that can fulfil its mandate and hold its own among its peers in the world.
“The exploits of the Nigeria Police Force in international peacekeeping operations started from its maiden foray in Congo in1960. It has been widely acknowledged as a matter of national pride that officers of the Nigeria Police Force have maintained this tradition of excellence in peacekeeping operations in all regions of the globe.
“The construction of the police peacekeeping institute is a step in the right direction. I am confident that it will be utilised to train and build the required capacity of our troops as they meet their obligation in domestic and international peacekeeping duties.
“I urge that the artefacts be carefully preserved and looked after. Additions should also be made to them from present and future police operations. It is only by preserving history that you can learn from itinerary our effort to build a better society and meet the demands of the society.
“The Nigeria Police Force has a rich history. The museum being commissioned will warehouse artefacts celebrating its involvement and accomplishments in both domestic and international peacekeeping operations. I believe that the museum will be used as a centre of learning and raise the whole body of knowledge of the force in coping with the duty that has been entrusted to them”, Jonathan said.
“I wish to assure the force and the Nigerian people that everything will be done to fully support the force in our determined effort to ensure the security of our nation. Our people must live without fear.
“It is imperative that the Nigeria Police Force, as the lead agency in the maintenance of internal security, must play an active role in combating terror and providing security for our people. This is the major and compelling role of the police today.
“For the ordinary people, they may not know the commitment and the contribution of the Army, the Police and the State Security Service and their sacrifices. But for me who is at the centre of everything, I know what they have been doing and I believe, God being with us, we will overcome challenges, “the President said.
Speaking, the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, thanked the President for supporting the modernisation of the Nigerian Police, assuring that they would continue to live up to expectations.
The event was witnessed by National Assembly members, ministers, very senior military and police officers as well as top government functionaries.
