The Kano State Police Command has deployed 250 newly trained officers to border local government areas of the state to strengthen security and improve rapid response to distress calls.

The officers were deployed on Tuesday after completing a one-month intensive combat and weapon-handling training organised by the command at the No. 9 Police Mobile Force (PMF), Hotoro, and No. 52 PMF, Challawa, Kano.

Speaking at the passing-out ceremony at the No. 9 PMF Parade Ground, the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, said the deployment was part of the command’s operational strategy to strengthen security along the state’s borders and frontline communities.

He charged the officers to be vigilant, professional and firm but fair, stressing that the power of firearms must always be exercised within the limits of the law and with respect for the dignity and fundamental rights of citizens.

Bakori said the trainees received instruction not only in combat drills, rifle stripping and assembling and tactical manoeuvres, but also in human rights, use of force and firearms, police-public relations, intelligence-led policing, IED recognition and response and community-based policing.

He said the training was conducted in line with the strategic policing vision of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, which prioritises capacity building, professionalism and operational readiness of personnel.

The commissioner said the continuous in-house refresher training would be sustained to ensure that police officers remained adequately equipped to perform their duties effectively and safely.

Earlier, the Commanding Officer, No. 9 PMF, Hotoro, ACP Afeez Oyekan, said the officers were rigorously trained in modern weapon handling, marksmanship, combat tactics, tactical manoeuvres and crowd-control techniques.

Oyekan urged the graduating officers to use their weapons responsibly, respect human rights and adopt intelligence-led and community-friendly approaches in dealing with members of the public.

The Commanding Officer of No. 52 PMF, Challawa, also commended the officers for their endurance and discipline during the training, assuring that the command would continue to support initiatives aimed at improving operational effectiveness.

Bakori appreciated the instructors, training team and officers of the Department of Operations for their roles in the programme, while also acknowledging the support of the Kano State Government and residents to security efforts in the state.

The commissioner thereafter declared the training closed and directed the 250 officers to proceed immediately to their new assignments, saying their deployment would enhance border security, police visibility and the command’s response to security threats across Kano. (Daily Trust)