Kano State Police Command has said that 250 newly trained officers will be deployed to border Local Government Areas in the state to strengthen security presence, improve rapid response to distress calls and enhance the protection of communities in frontline areas.
Commissioner of Police in the state, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, disclosed this during the passing-out ceremony, held at the parade ground of the No. 9 Police Mobile Force (PMF), Hotoro, Kano.
He said the command completed 250 officers in a one-month intensive combat and weapon-handling training aimed at strengthening their operational readiness, professionalism and capacity to tackle security challenges.
Bakori said the training was conducted simultaneously at the No. 9 PMF, Hotoro, and the No. 52 PMF, Challawa, as part of efforts to enhance the operational preparedness of personnel in line with the strategic policing vision of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
He stated that the officers underwent training in combat drills, rifle stripping and assembly, weapon handling, tactical manoeuvres, marksmanship, human rights, the use of force and firearms, intelligence-led policing, police-public relations, improvised explosive device (IED) recognition and response, as well as community-based policing.
The commissioner said the 250 officers will be deployed to border Local Government Areas in the state to strengthen security presence, improve rapid response to distress calls and enhance the protection of communities in frontline areas.
Bakori charged the officers to remain vigilant and professional in the discharge of their duties, and to be firm but fair and respect the fundamental rights of citizens.
He stressed that the officers must confront criminal elements in the confines of the law while exercising restraint and professionalism in their dealings with members of the public.
The commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to continuous capacity building through in-house refresher training, saying such programmes will ensure that officers continually acquire the skills needed to serve the people effectively and safely.
He commended the training instructors, the commanding officers of the No. 9 and No. 52 PMF, the Department of Operations and other members of the training team for their dedication to the programme.
Bakori also appreciated the Kano government, led by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, for providing an enabling environment for police operations, as well as residents for their continued support and partnership with the command.
Earlier, the Commanding Officer of the No. 9 PMF, ACP Oyekan Afeez, said the participants were trained in modern weapon handling, marksmanship, combat tactics and tactical manoeuvres.
Afeez added that the officers were trained on Force Order 237 and the principles guiding the use of firearms, including proportionality, legality, accountability and necessity.
The ceremony featured combat parades and other activities, while outstanding participants received awards and commendations for their performance during the training.