Kano Police Boost Border Security With 250 Combat-Trained Officers

The Kano State Police Command has passed out 250 police officers after a one-month intensive combat and weapon handling training aimed at enhancing their operational readiness and professionalism.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, disclosed this at the passing-out ceremony held at the parade ground of the No. 9 Police Mobile Force (PMF), Hotoro, Kano, on Tuesday.

Bakori said the training, conducted simultaneously at No. 9 PMF, Hotoro, and No. 52 PMF, Challawa, was in line with the strategic policing vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, particularly on capacity building and operational readiness.

He said the officers were trained in combat drills, rifle stripping and assembling, weapon handling, tactical manoeuvres, marksmanship, human rights, use of force and firearms, intelligence-led policing, public relations, IED recognition and response, and community-based policing.

The commissioner said the 250 officers would be deployed to border Local Government Areas of the state to strengthen security presence, improve rapid response to distress calls and enhance protection of frontline communities.

He charged the officers to be vigilant, professional, firm but fair, and to respect the fundamental rights of citizens while confronting criminal elements strictly within the confines of the law.

Bakori said the command remained committed to continuous capacity building through in-house refresher training to ensure officers acquired the requisite skills to serve the people effectively and safely.

He commended the training instructors, the commanding officers of No. 9 and No. 52 PMF, the Department of Operations and the entire training team for their commitment to the programme.

The commissioner also appreciated the Kano State Government, under Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf, for providing an enabling environment and the people of the state for their continued support and partnership with the police.

Earlier, the Commanding Officer of No. 9 PMF, ACP Oyekan Afeez, said the officers were exposed to modern weapon handling, principles of marksmanship, combat tactics, tactical manoeuvres, Force Order 237 and the principles guiding the use of firearms, including proportionality, legality, accountability and necessity.

Afeez said the participants also received lectures on human rights, police-public relations, intelligence-led policing, modern crowd control, community-based policing and the Force Social Media Policy.

He urged the graduating officers to use their weapons responsibly, respect human rights and maintain a friendly, fair and firm approach in dealing with members of the public.

The ceremony featured combat parades and other activities, while outstanding participants were presented with awards and commendations for their performance during the training.