Fashola launches surveillance helicopters

National NewsDec 7, 2009

By Gbenga Akanmu & Monsur Olowoopejo

Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, yesterday,  launched two Bell 412 EP Helicopters with a promise to commit the state’s resources to securing the lives and property of residents.
Speaking during the launch at the Lagos House, Ikeja, Fashola admitted that achieving a crime-free society was a tall order but reiterated that the state government would outspend, outrun and overwhelm the competition that criminals offer.
“We know there is no crime-free society, but we understand that crime and crime patterns are very fluid and we have resolved to stay ahead of the competition. That is why we have made the investment in these machines to give us the capacity to monitor traffic, pursue criminals, fight fire and evacuate people promptly when accidents happen,” the governor said.
According to him, the choice of Bell 412 EP was informed by the multi-faceted platform which allows it to be utilised in several functions, revealing that “the helicopters are specially and uniquely configured for fire fighting, emergency services, search and rescue, air ambulance and airborne surveillance roles.”
He also added that the same type was currently being used by government agencies all over the world including the Fire and Emergency Services Authority of Western Australia, the Police of Czechs, the Finish Border Guard, Los Angeles County Fire Department, New York City Police Department, Chicago Fire Department, amongst others.
He said the helicopters exceeded the standard Bell 412 prototype, adding that at the request of the state government they have been fitted with 31 extra options to suit the use to which the state acquired them.
On his part, Lagos State Commissioner of Police,  Mr. Marvel Akpoyibo, expressed optimism that the helicopters would enhance security surveillance in the state while pledging that the police would continue to give the needed support to the state government to ensure security of  lives and property of citizens in the state.

Fhemmmy:

you chase bad guys thru the sky, you will still need the good guys on the ground to apprehend them.

Fhemmmy:

Who are the RRS?

Fhemmmy:

Who are the RRS?

skfa1:

I will say thank you fashola for this (this is my 1st time of saying thank you tho)

Im saying thank you because it just look like you [b]lived your entire life in western world [/b]and u see how everything is been run and u came to Naija and do the same.

So I will say thank you one more time. You are doing a good job.

Ehm lest I forget, the benefit system pls try to set it up (I will urge NL to put it in prayer so that Naijas willl not abuse and destroy it)

Thank you.

mrperfect:

constant power supply.

mrperfect:

This is a good move sha, but let government try as much as possibly to provide good road,constant power supply, free eduction and industrialization of the state. I think this will naturally eliminate crime.

Olong:

Helicopters?not 4 naija brand of criminals!

back2back:

Kudo, well done but questions:

How are these going to be maintenance?

back2back:

Kudo, well done but questions:

How are these going to be maintenance?

back2back:

Kudo, well done but questions:

How are these going to be maintenance?
what checks are in-place that the parts of these heli & Bike do not end up in Alaba?

Hope the helis have 'night vision' since there is no LIGHT in Lagos at night.
Plus, the ground forces would have to be rapid enough otherwise heli would be useless for crime fight.