The Assistant-Inspector General of Police (AIG), Zone 7 Abuja, Benneth Igweh, said that 10,000 Constables are currently undergoing training in arms handling at various police formations across the country to enhance security.
Igweh stated this during a familiarisation visit to the Niger Command in Minna on Thursday.
He said the training was aimed at bolstering security and alleviating fears of insecurity in Niger and the country at large.
Igweh said that the training currently underway in 16 police training institutions nationwide, covers essential topics such as fundamental human rights, gender education, and firearms handling.
He said that the approach is to ensure that constables are equipped to handle their responsibilities effectively.I
Igweh emphasised that the Inspector-General of Police (I-G) is committed to protecting Nigerians as the leader of the country’s internal security.
“This commitment is reflected in the deployment of officers to take over protection duties within their areas of responsibility,” he said.
He underscored the importance of changing the narrative on policing and protection and stressed the need to alleviate fears of insecurity, promoting a safer environment for citizens.
In his remarks, the Commissioner of Police in Niger, Shawulu Danmamman, described the visit as a practical step towards enhancing community policing.
The commissioner, who said that Niger had witnessed a significant decrease in crime rates since he took office, attributed it to effective crime prevention strategies.
He, however, identified lingering security challenges in some Local Government Areas like Munya, Mariga, Rafi, Shiroro, and parts of Kontagora.
Danmamman said the challenges are largely due to the state’s proximity to Zamfara, Katsina, and Kaduna states, that have experienced similar security concerns.