Buoyed by the relative success of the ongoing onslaught against insurgents both in Nigeria and Mali, the federal government has concluded arrangements to deploy a Formed Police Unit of 140 Officers and men in Mali, to bolster the ECOWAS and the Africanled International Support Mission in Mali, AFISMA.
The government said the action is part of its efforts to strengthen its clampdown on domestic and global terrorism and consequently assist in restoring peace in some troubled parts of Africa.
The unit, which comprises of specialised sections trained in riot control and counter-terrorism is equipped with modern crime fighting and peacekeeping equipment and is scheduled to depart Nigeria on June 10. Nigeria currently has seven staff officers of the police already deployed in Mali and is led by DCP Subair O. Kamar who is the Deputy Police Commissioner in-charge of the African Mission in Mali.
At a symbolic Flag Presentation to the contingent in Abuja yesterday, the Inspector- General of Police, IGP Mohammed Abubakar, charged them to display at all times, "dedication and true commitment in the discharge of assigned roles."
He also urged them to be good ambassadors, not just of the Force, but also of the nation, advising them to conduct themselves with the highest degree of discipline and professionalism; and shun all forms of vices. The IGP enjoined them to respect the laws and customs of their host country and endeavour to bring honours through exemplary service to humanity, to their fatherland and to themselves.
The IGP further reminded the Officers that the Nigeria Police had created and maintained an outstanding record of good performance in the mission fields, including a recent commendation given to Nigeria Police peace keepers in Somalia by the African Union Commission, for its level of professionalism and operational efficiency. He recalled that "the Nigeria Formed Police Unit was the first to be deployed to Guinea Bissau where it ensured security and helped in restoring law and order in that country."
The ceremony witnessed the symbolic handing over to the Commander of the Unit, the Nigerian national flag and the Nigeria Police flag, as symbols of authority to empower members of the Unit to represent the nation and the Nigeria Police Force in the mission in Mali.
Designed to be selfsustaining, the Nigeria Police contingent is deployed with a full complement of Contingent Owned Equipment (COE) including Patrol Vehicles, Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), arms and ammunitions. The contingent is also travelling with a team of medical doctors and nurses, ambulances, drugs, first aid kits and other medical equipment.
National Mirror