Military-grade tent
The United States on Friday donated eight military-grade tents to the Nigeria Police Force to ensure quick restoration of civil authorities in communities liberated from Boko Haram insurgents in Borno.
Ms Rosalyn Wiese, the Director of the U.S. International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, presented the items to the Inspector General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris, at a ceremony in Maiduguri.
Wiese explained that the gesture was aimed at supporting the country toward the re- establishment of civil authorities in communities liberated in the North East.
“The U.S. Government is partnering with the Government of Nigeria to support efforts to deploy additional civilian security particularly the police to the North East Nigeria.
“The military-grade tents are donated to the police because many areas have been ravaged by Boko Haram, many public buildings including police stations and barracks are still being rebuilt.
“A successful transition to community oriented policing that focuses on working closely with all members of the community is crucial to build trust, establish relationships and improve communication.
“We are also working with the Nigeria Police to improve training and equipment for its personnel in the North East,” she stated.
She stated that the U.S. planned to donate additional equipment and furniture to the police to ensure the restoration of civil authority in the North East.
Receiving the items, Idris represented by the Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) Zone 12, Mr Yakubu Jubrin, thanked the U.S. government for the gesture and promised judicious usage.
On his part, the Borno State Commissioner of Police, Mr Damain Chukwu appreciated the gesture by the United States government stating that it would go a long way to support police operations in the state.
He said: “I wish to with the permission of the IGP, most sincerely appreciate the United States government for this wonderful gesture and demonstration of empathy.
“I wish to express the profound gratitude of the Command to the INL Director, Rosalyn Wiese, for the selfless efforts at ensuring progress in the partnership of both countries in the transition to civil authority in liberated parts of the State.
“It is hoped that the training/capacity building programmes for personnel expected to commence soon will go a long way in improving the policing skills of the beneficiaries.
“Let it be assured here that the tents and more items to come will be put to the best of use.”