Cross River Police Command Trains Personnel on Aerial Surveillance Operations
2 min read
by Irene Offiong, Calabar
The Nigeria Police Force, Cross River Command, has trained its personnel on the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) popularly known as drones for surveillance operations.
The training, which was held in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State in southern Nigeria, had in attendance the representative of Governor Bassey Otu, the State Security Adviser, Brigadier General Okoi Obono (retired) and other stakeholders.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, a Supritendent of Police, Irene Ugbo indicated that the training, was for more than twenty (20) personnel “aims at enhancing Cross River State’s security apparatus by integrating cutting-edge technology into its surveillance efforts.”
Ugbo further indicated “the purpose of the training programme was to equip personnel with the necessary skills and knowledge to operate drones effectively for aerial surveillance purposes.
“By harnessing the capabilities of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the Cross River State Police Command aims to enhance situational awareness, improve response time and bolster overall security within the state,” she indicated.
The police publicist stated that at the opening ceremony, the Commissioner for Police Gyongon Grimah highlighted the importance of embracing technology to combat crime effectively, while the representative of the governor, Brigadier General Okoi Obono emphasized the state government’s commitment to providing necessary support for initiatives aimed at enhancing security.
Ugbo further stated that the facilitators took time to conduct practical sessions on drone operation “focusing attention on flight control, data collection, and analysis techniques. Participants engaged in hands-on exercises to familiarize themselves with the UAVs and their functionalities.”
She stated that the training also included discussions on privacy and legal considerations regarding drone usage in law enforcement activities, noting “the inauguration of the Drones/UAV Aerial Surveillance Operations Training marks a significant step forward for the Cross River State Police Command in modernizing its security infrastructure.
“By embracing innovative technologies, such as drones, the command demonstrates its commitment to staying ahead of evolving security challenges. With the support of key stakeholders, including the state government and media, the initiative is poised to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of law enforcement efforts in Cross River State,” the police publicist indicated.
She added, “the knowledge and skills gained from this training will enable personnel to conduct aerial surveillance operations more efficiently, ultimately contributing to a safer environment for all residents.”
