Kaduna Launches New Security Outfit, security taskforce codenamed “Operation Yaki".

From Kaduna SA on ICT Office

Jan 10, 2008

The Kaduna State Government has launched a new security taskforce codenamed “Operation Yaki.” The outfit, which comprises the police, army, air force and other security agencies has been mandated to address the problem of the growing wave of crime and criminality in the state.

Addressing the formal launch of the anti-crime outfit code named "Operation Yaki" at the Murtala Muhammed Square Kaduna on Wednesday, the Vice President Goodluck Jonathan urged Governor Sambo to meet with his counterparts from neighbouring states and form a regional synergy towards effective law enforcement, adding that the success of "Operation Yaki" should be a solution rather than to create more problems in the neighbouring states.

"We are gathered in this historic city to witness an initiative aimed at putting a halt to the activities of criminals who have made it their business to manufacture and distribute pain and anguish to millions of Nigerians. "Operation Yaki" that we are here to launch differs from other outfits in many ways".

Jonathan stated further: "The initiative according to Governor Sambo will employ 2,000 people and will be backed by 75 patrol vehicles fully equipped with communication gadgets and a helicopter from police headquarters. The beauty of the outfit is that having recognised that a significant percentage of the crimes committed may be job related, the government of Kaduna decided to create jobs even as it focuses on eliminating high and low crimes in our cities and communities.

"But there is need for collaboration with government of neighbouring states. There is need for regional synergy to achieve effective law enforcement so that the success of the operation will not become a burden to other states because as you make criminality an expensive venture in Kaduna State, those criminals who survive the long arms of the law are most likely to transfer their nefarious activities to neighbouring states. You should find time to meet with your brother governors and regularly exchange notes and experiences on this very important issue".

Noting effort at combating crimes at the federal level, Jonathan explained that "President Umaru Yar'Adua's administration recognised the danger that insecurity and lawlessness pose to our collective survival and proceeded to make security a key component of the seven-point agenda of our government".

Said he: "Our determination was and still remains to make criminality unprofitable for both practitioners and beneficiaries and our end goal is to ensure that our streets, homes, villages and creeks are safe and secured.

"We cannot afford the recycling of criminals. Therefore I would suggest that due emphasis be placed on intelligence gathering and grassroots campaigns targeted at value reorientation. There must be zero tolerance of unacceptable acts that falls on the wrong side of the law".

He also urged those in charge of the operation to ensure that the fear of God and rule of law prevails in their activities, adding that, "the administration is desirous of bringing criminals to justice and not the violation of the right of the innocent."

Sambo in his address stated that "Operation Yaki" was an initiative aimed at eradicating crime and to create a fertile ground for enduring peace, tranquillity and development of the state.

'"Operation Yaki' was conceived and planned to provide security in the state. Seventy-five vehicles made up of pickup vans and ambulances have been provided in the first phase for police, army and air force. There is also communication equipment and armour for the operatives. We are re-deploying 700 policemen and 500 mobile policemen to join military personnel to create a highly mobile responsive and flexible police force to phase out crime in the state".

He continued: '"Operation Yaki' is going on with other measures like provision of social amenities, infrastructural facilities, micro credit scheme, agricultural input, qualitative education system, free healthcare services for pregnant women and children under age five, job creation and other poverty reduction programmes aimed at effectively combating crime across the state."

Sambo urged security operatives to jealously guard their vehicles and equipment, while he called on criminals to repent and join hands with government to develop the state otherwise they would be consumed by the anger to be unleashed on them.

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