The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has passed out of 1,511 retrained women police officers drawn from Divisions and Area Commands.
The passing out, according to a statement by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, followed an intensive tactical and operational training programme at the 26 Police Mobile Squadron.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, expressed delight at the successful completion of the retraining, describing it as a strategic move to strengthen the security architecture of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria at large.
“This training is not just a routine exercise; it is a deliberate and strategic initiative that underscores the evolution of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
“Under the visionary leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Dr Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, the Force is undergoing remarkable transformation, with a focus on tactical, intelligence-driven, and result-oriented training,” CP Azare stated.
The Commissioner further highlighted the Inspector-General’s dedication to gender inclusion within the Force, emphasising that these newly-trained officers would play a critical role in ensuring energy security across the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
CP Azare also paid tribute to late CP Waheed Ayilara, under whose tenure the training initiative began, acknowledging his contributions to police capacity building.
He also commended the former Squadron Commander of the 26 PMF, ACP Baba Mala Mohammed, in whose tenure the training was conceived and started.
Commending the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Bassey, CP Azare lauded the state government’s commitment to security, which has made Akwa Ibom one of the safest states in Nigeria.
During the intensive three-month training, the officers underwent rigorous exercises, including Advanced Drill, Debussing Under Fire, Stripping and Assembling of Arms, Weapon Exercises,Tactical Formation, Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCC3), Cordon and Defence Operations, among other training skills.
“This training is not just about physical endurance but also about mental agility, tactical precision, and strategic response to real-world security threats.
“These officers symbolise a new era of policing dynamic, proactive, and uncompromising in ensuring safety and security,” CP Azare added.
The police boss reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to collaborating with other security agencies in the state.
He expressed gratitude to the media for objective reporting and continued support.
He assured the people of Akwa Ibom that the Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its mission to ensure peace, security, and safety across the state and the nation.
The Executive Governor, Akwa Ibom State who was represented by his Special Adviser on Security matters, DIG Adeyemi Ogunjemilusi (rtd.), congratulated the women police officers, urging them to remain committed and be professional in the discharge of their duties.
The Governor commended the CP and his team for their commitment in keeping the state safe, he promised to continue to support the police.