The Nigerian Police has disclosed that it would deploy 500 Hilux Trucks to provide security and patrol on the Abuja-Kaduna high way.
This is for the duration of the six-week closure of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja and relocation to the Kaduna Airport. The closure would commence on March 8, 2017.
Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris disclosed this on Tuesday while briefing the Senate on the planned closure of the airport.
He said that the Police would also deploy 500 tactical operation team comprising police officers and other security agencies.
He said that the trucks will provide highway patrol to ensure security of the roads during the six weeks period.
Represented by Deputy Inspector General of Police (Operations), Joshak Abila, the IGP added that three helicopters had been stationed at the Minna Airport in Niger State for aerial patrols and movement of high profile passengers during the period.
He added that train marshals would be deployed to provide security for travelers using train, with armed officers in each coach.
“We are ready with our security arrangements if the Kaduna airport will serve as alternative,” Idris assured.
The Abuja Kaduna highway covers a stretch of 164 kilometers which means that there would be at least two police truck stationed in every one kilometre.
At the commencement of the ministerial briefing last week, Dino Melaye had expressed concerns over the safety of passengers along the road, stressing that armed robbers and kidnappers were already jubilating following the announcement.
