President Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday said that the Federal Government would continue to support the police and other security agencies to enable them to discharge their duties effectively.
He gave the assurance at the Police Academy, Wudil, during the passing out ceremony of Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) and Inspectors.
Jonathan, who was represented by Vice-President Namadi Sambo, said that the government support was necessary to enable the police and other security agencies to tackle all the security challenges facing the country efficiently.
“For us as a government, the challenge of terrorism remains a battle which we cannot afford not to win.
“It has, therefore, become extremely imperative that all efforts and resources be deployed towards the achievement of that primary constitutional mandate of providing security for the people’s lives and property,’’ he said.
Jonathan said that the Federal Government would also strive to improve the quality and numerical strength of the police and other security agencies.
“It in pursuance of this objective that the government recently recruited 9,000 soldiers into the Nigerian Army,’’ he said.
The president commended the Inspector-General of Police, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, for his commitment to efforts to reposition the police force for effective service delivery.
Jonathan expressed his administration’s determination to remould the police force into a combat ready and vibrant force.
Earlier, the inspector-general of police commended Jonathan for the tremendous support which the government had provided for the police force.
Abubakar charged the new police officers to refrain from corrupt practices, urging them to be of good conduct while discharging their duties.
“You must continue to conduct yourselves, whether in or out of uniform, in manners worthy of emulation and praise,’’ he said.
He said that the first set of police cadets undergoing a degree programme had commenced training on Sept. 22, 2013.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a total of 577 cadet officers — 335 ASPs and 242 Inspectors — graduated from the academy on Saturday.