The Honourable Minister of Police Affairs, Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi has pointed out that the synergy between Nigeria and Sierra Leone Police force will enhance efficiency of rank and files to secure West Africa region as the Nigerian institute for Police studies and other police institutions are willing to offer admission to intending Sierra Leone Police officers to acquire more strategic courses on policing in Nigeria.
He made this known during a courtesy call by the Sierra Leone delegate led by the Minister of Interior, David Maurice Panda-Noah and the Inspector General of Police, IGP Ambrose Sovula at the Ministry Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, August 17, 2021.
The Minister said both countries had experienced civil war and now experiencing security challenges and collaboration among the Police Force of both countries would enable personnel to secure the region. We are going to support one another and we will continue to make an effort to update and improve on police equipment and gadgets of the Police Force. He added.
The Minister said there is the need to strengthen the security architecture of both countries and support Sierra Leone Police Force with more opportunity for training facilities in Nigeria noting both countries have enjoyed brotherhood and togetherness from time immemorial.
According to him, “in addition to the National Institute of Police Studies, we have other police colleges around the country that can train intermediate officers. The Inspector General of Police can facilitate admission of Sierra Leone youths into the police training schools in the country”.
Earlier, The Sierra Leone Minister of Interior, David Maurice Panda-Noah revealed that the President of his country has flagged off his star project in the area of Human Capital Development which necessitated the idea of sending some Police officers to attend the “strategic Leadership Training Course at the Nigerian Institute of Police Studies, noting that the President endorsed their attendance of the graduation ceremony coming up on Thursday.
He appreciated the hospitality of Nigerian Police since their arrival adding that there is urgent need for African countries to unite, synergize and collaborate in order to combat transnational challenges.
In his words, “Africa has their own unique problems which only Africans can solve. Supporting one another is key to tackling the challenges which have bedeviled Africa and the world at large. The collaboration is very important to us and would enable our officers to have seamless understanding on how to curb crimes in the region”
David recalled the effort of Nigeria soldiers and Police two decades ago as they spilled their blood on the lands of Sierra Leone while helping the country to overcome the civil war and this would never be forgotten by our people. He stressed.
Bolaji O. Kazeem
Head (Press and Public Relations)
