To strengthen the security of lives and property, Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, on Monday inaugurated advanced security equipment and patrol vehicles procured by the Enugu State Security Trust Fund (ESSTF).
The items unveiled include two state-of-the-art drones, 10 Hilux 4×4 vehicles, 40 motorcycles, 400 bulletproof vests, and 400 bulletproof helmets.
Inaugurating the assets at Government House, Enugu, Governor Mbah thanked the Trustees of ESSTF for their commitment to enhancing state security, saying the equipment would complement the administration’s existing investments, such as the Command and Control Centre, AI-enabled surveillance cameras across the state, and over 150 Distress Response Squad vehicles fitted with AI cameras.
“The security challenges we are having are local, and at the state level, we must also play our own role to ensure our localities are safe. So, these items will be deployed to ensure Enugu State remains the safest state in this country.
“We can confidently say that violent crimes have been reduced by over 80 per cent in Enugu State today. But as you know, we are not resting on our laurels because the criminals and bad elements we are dealing with are not resting, but are looking for any opportunity to breach our security.
“Security is one sector you may have scored 90 per cent, but just one breach can undermine all the successes you have accomplished. That is why we must invest heavily in equipment and infrastructure that enable us to nip crime in the bud and act quickly when one has been committed. That is why today’s event is reinforcing,” Mbah stated.
Earlier, the Chairman of ESSTF, Ike Chioke, represented by trustee Nath Udeh, said the inauguration sent a clear message to criminals: there is no longer any hiding place for them.
He noted that the equipment would bolster the governor’s efforts to position Enugu as the safest state to live and invest in.
He added, “Despite the number of flights now coming into Enugu, if you do not book on time, you do not get a seat.”
“That tells you the amount of traffic now coming into Enugu. Some companies also want to have their retreats and a couple of assignments here in Enugu. These are signs to show that there is something nice happening here.”
Explaining the technical capabilities of the drones, ESSTF Executive Secretary Engr. Chinedu Ani said, “The drones also have a coverage and a range of 100km and as far as I know, from this spot (Command and Control Centre), which is where we normally take off, the longest air distance in Enugu here is 90km.
“So, it has the capability to go beyond Enugu State. And also, we can cruise at 120km per hour. They are quite fast.
“Each drone has several cameras, including thermal camera, night vision and daytime vision. Those cameras can zoom up to so many kilometres from the position of the drone. So, it is a very powerful equipment that has a lot of technologies.”
“The cameras are also AI-equipped. So, they can do a lot of analysis. With the drones, we now have additional capability to track suspects, vehicles, and human beings anywhere within the state.”
A Trustee of ESSTF and Anglican Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Rt. Rev. Onyekachi Onyia, emphasized the strategic importance of the investment, saying, “We know the consequences of leaving Enugu porous. If terrorists are able to get through Enugu, the South East is finished. It will not end well.”
