The federal government and the police have announced plans to deploy drones, CCTV cameras and security control centres along major highways in an effort to strengthen road safety and tackle crime.
The proposal was discussed on Monday during a meeting between the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, and the Minister of Works, David Umahi, in Abuja.
Mr Disu said the police wanted surveillance systems integrated into the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project to improve monitoring and emergency response once the road becomes operational.
“They can deploy their drones to watch the stretch of the road. It’s a kind of mini control room for police officers on that road. We have come to remind you to include this in your plans,” the police chief said.
He said the proposed security infrastructure would include special checkpoints, patrol stations, drone surveillance systems and rapid response units positioned along the highway corridor.
According to him, the facilities would help officers monitor vehicles and passengers more effectively while responding quickly to criminal activity.
“We need areas where patrol vehicles will be stationed. They can deploy their drones to watch the stretch of the road,” he added.
Mr Disu also said improved infrastructure could contribute to reducing crime by creating economic opportunities and improving connectivity.
The more than 700-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway has been promoted by the government as a major infrastructure project expected to boost tourism, trade and investment.
The police chief said the project was already attracting international attention and pledged continued cooperation with the Ministry of Works to secure the route during and after construction.
Speaking at the meeting, Works Minister David Umahi said the government was also planning to install CCTV cameras, solar-powered lighting and observation centres on highways across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
He listed the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Road, Enugu-Onitsha Expressway and Eleme-Onne corridor among priority routes.
“In the Third Mainland Bridge, we have provided CCTV both above the water, under the bridge and on top. We built observation centres where your people are doing very wonderful work. Response time within any location is five minutes,” Mr Umahi said.
The minister also proposed expanding the Federal Highway Patrol into a specialised highway security force funded through toll revenues.
He further suggested creating regulated private security companies for VIP protection under police supervision.
“If a big man wants 100 protection officers, he can apply through these companies. Fifty per cent of the revenue will go to the Federal Government and 50 per cent to the company,” he explained.
Mr Umahi, however, cautioned that any move towards state policing would need proper safeguards to prevent political misuse.
