Aba Residents Build RRS Operational Headquarters

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

Residents of Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State, have demonstrated that security in Nigeria is everyone’s business as they build an operational headquarters for the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in order to enhance the crime fighting capacity of the specialised police unit.

The complex, which is located at Eziama, Aba, comprises administrative block and 300 detention cells with modern toilet facilities, which was funded by public-spirited individuals in Aba. It was inaugurated last weekend by the state Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu.

Speaking at the event, the governor, who was represented by the State Commissioner for Homeland Security, Mr. Sopuruchi Bekee, assured the state that his administration would sustain its support for the police to enhance sustainable security in the state.

He lauded the state RRS Commander, SP Johnbull Obioguru, for the landmark achievement made possible by the goodwill he enjoys from the people of Aba due to the good performance of the RRS.

The governor said: “Those of you who go home and sleep may not know that these men are awoken 24 hours making sure that Aba and Abia State are safe.

We are all from this area and we know what’s happening in other states. I commend the police for their efforts.”

Ikpeazu reiterated that security is everybody’s business, hence, the need for all to join hands with the police in the fight against criminalities, just as the residents of Aba have done.

He urged residents of the commercial city to always make the police the first point of call on every security issue, advising the people to regard the supply of intelligence to the police as a civic duty that must be performed.

“The job of the law enforcement officer is often stressful, demanding and dangerous. Don’t say it doesn’t concern you. Intelligence comes from the public and that’s the main way you can support the police,” he said.

In her remarks, the state Commissioner of Police, Mrs. Janet Agbede, said the new operational headquarters of the RRS was a thing of joy, as it would enhance the productivity of the security personnel and their commitment to their job of protecting lives and property.

The commissioner noted that a conducive environment constitutes an essential ingredient in the productivity mix, commending those whose efforts gave rise to the new administrative complex.