The Kano State Police Command has graduated 200 police officers from a month-long intensive combat and weapons handling program aimed at strengthening operational readiness and improving policing across the state.
The officers passed out on Monday during a ceremony held at the No. 9 Police Mobile Force Squadron, Hotoro, where Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Adamu Bakori said the exercise was designed to equip personnel with modern tactical skills to tackle emerging security threats.
Represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Finance and Administration, Audu Sabo, Bakori said the training was conducted in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, who has prioritised continuous capacity building across the Nigeria Police Force.
For one month, the officers underwent practical and theoretical sessions at the No. 9 PMF Squadron, Hotoro, and No. 52 PMF Squadron, Challawa, covering combat readiness, weapon handling, tactical manoeuvres, intelligence-led policing, community policing, public relations and human rights.
“Capacity building is not an event; it is a process. It must be continuous if we must win the battle against crime and earn the trust of the people,” Bakori said.
He urged the graduating officers to remain disciplined and professional, stressing that the command would continue to invest in training to improve operational effectiveness and service delivery.
“Our approach is simple: be hard on crime and soft on the people. We must remain combat-ready to confront criminals while respecting the rights of law-abiding citizens,” he added.
Earlier, the Commanding Officer of the No. 9 Police Mobile Force Squadron, ACP Afeez Oyekan, said participants received extensive instruction in modern weapon handling, principles of marksmanship, combat tactics and tactical manoeuvres.
The officers were also trained in intelligence-led policing, community policing, modern crowd-control techniques, police-public relations, human rights and the Force’s social media policy.
“A good police officer must be professionally mindful of his firearm at all times, exercise good judgment and discharge his duties with the fear of God,” Oyekan said.
The ceremony featured combat demonstrations and the presentation of certificates and awards to outstanding participants. Among those honoured were Corporal Aminu Ahmed, Police Constable Umar Idris, Corporal Nasiru Ubale and Police Constable Ismail Abubakar for their outstanding performances in shooting, firearm stripping and assembly, and overall excellence during the training.
