Use Firearms Responsibly in Crime Fighting, Kano Police Charge 200 Trained Officers

The Kano State Police Command has charged 200 newly trained police constables and corporals to use their firearms responsibly in combating crime while maintaining professionalism, discipline and respect for human rights in the discharge of their duties.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, gave the charge at the passing-out ceremony of a one-month specialised combat and weapons handling course conducted at the 9 Police Mobile Force (PMF) Squadron, Hotoro, and the 52 PMF Squadron, Challawa. Represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Finance and Administration, Mr Audu Sabo, Bakori said the training was designed to strengthen the officers’ capacity to tackle emerging security challenges in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Olatunji Ridwan Disu.

He said the participants underwent intensive training in combat techniques, tactical manoeuvres, body positioning, trigger control, follow-through, weapons handling and modern policing ethics. He urged them to remain combat-ready against criminal elements while ensuring that the use of force and firearms complied with established rules of engagement.

Bakori advised the officers to adopt a balanced approach to policing, saying: “Be hard on crime and be soft on the people. You must be combat-ready to confront criminals, while remaining civil enough to protect the rights of law-abiding citizens.” He also reminded them that the police uniform represents the integrity of the Nigeria Police Force and urged them to obey lawful orders at all times.

The Commanding Officer of the 9 PMF Squadron, Hotoro, ACP Hafeez Oyekan, said the trainees received practical instruction in modern weapons handling, principles of marksmanship, combat tactics and tactical operations. He urged them to handle firearms responsibly and uphold the rights of citizens in all operational engagements, while the Commanding Officer of the 52 PMF Squadron, Challawa, ACP Mannir Madugu, expressed confidence in their ability to respond effectively to emergencies, noting that the training met international best practices.

The ceremony featured a ceremonial parade, tactical operation demonstrations, riot control exercises using smoke and tactical withdrawal drills, showcasing the skills acquired by the officers during the month-long training programme aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and public safety.