116 brand new four-wheel drive vehicles where bequeathed to the National Gendarmerie recently in Yaounde by Defence Minister, Joseph Beti Assomo.

The National Gendarmerie now has some 116 brand new automobile equipment to beef up security throughout the national territory. The four-wheel drive vehicles adapted to all roads comprise of 110 Toyota Double-cabin pick-ups and six Toyota Fortuner cars, were handed to the Secretary of State in the Ministry of Defence in charge of the National Gendarmerie, Jean Baptiste Bokam by the Minister Delegate at the Presidency in charge of Defence, JosephBetiAssomo in a ceremony at the Yaounde 101 Air Force Base.

Speaking at the event, Defence Minister recalled that the acquisition of the vehicles is in line with measures announced by the Head of State during the 50th Anniversary of the Armed Forced to improve the working and living conditions of the defence forces.

The automobile equipment, he stressed, is to help the National Gendarmerie accomplish its mission of security and maintenance of law and order throughout the national territory.

Joseph Beti Assomo cautioned against the irresponsible use of the vehicles, warning that any misuse of the cars will attract sanctions. While recognising the efforts made by the National Gendarmerie, the Minister of Defence further said that hierarchy expects more determination and hard-work in carrying out their assignment.

According to Jean-Baptiste Bokam, the vehicles are an important booster to the operational capacity of the National Gendarmerie. While expressing gratitude to the Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bokam said the vehicles destined for Gendarmerie units and structures across the national territory will also enable them put in place the policy of "proximity gendarmerie".