Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo has commissioned a cutting-edge Smart Divisional Police Headquarters in Ekirin-Adde, Ijumu Local Government Area where he called for a united front to defeat crime and criminality in the state.

Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Ododo described the project as a leap toward future-ready policing.

“We are not merely opening a building; we are embracing innovation that matches our commitment to safeguarding lives and property,” he said.

The governor expressed appreciation to the Nigeria Police Trust Fund and its Executive Secretary, Mr. Mohammed Sheidu, for their dedication to equipping the Nigeria police with tools necessary for efficient service delivery.

He emphasized the importance of citizen involvement in maintaining peace and stability in the state.

He also called on the public to work in concert with security operatives, stressing that community cooperation is essential in defeating crime.

“Together, we can build a united front against insecurity, where criminals feel unsafe and citizens feel protected,” he added.

In his remark, Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, Mr. Mohammed Sheidu praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support of ongoing reforms in the Nigeria police.

He characterized the newly commissioned facility as a “symbol of a reimagined policing in Nigeria”, and a testament to the commitment of the Tinubu administration to ensuring modernization and efficiency of the Nigeria Police force.

On his part, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, represented by the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 8 Headquarters Lokoja, Abubakar Zubairu, commended the people of Kogi State for their role in supporting the police.

He urged residents of the community to take ownership of the facility, highlighting its significance in ensuring long-term safety in the community.

In his address, Ijumu Local Government Chairman, Alhaji Haruna Ibrahim, lauded the project as a timely intervention in community policing in the area.

He noted that the new police station will reduce emergency response time, encourage synergy among law enforcement agencies, and boost morale of police officers.

The new Divisional Police Headquarters in Ekinrin-Adde is a technologically advanced facility, constructed by the Nigeria Police Trust Fund and features modern surveillance tools and digital infrastructure designed to meet evolving challenges of law enforcement in the 21st century.