By Raphael Ekpang
Abuja (Core Reporters) The Senate on Wednesday passed a bill for an Act to establish the Nigerian Police Force Training Institutions, to serve as high-level centres for the provision of professional training and other related matters, Core Reporters report.
The bill sponsored by Senator Abdulhamid Mallam Ahmed Madori received widely commendations among distinguished Senators of the 10th senate who were present at the plenary as at the lead debate was presented by the sponsor.
Leading the debate, Sen. Madori said the Bill seeks to provide for a comprehensive legal and institutional framework for the establishment and operations of Nigeria Police Force Training Institutions, to provide holistic and special training in any professional field relevant to policing and law enforcement. According to him, the Bill is borne out of an urgent need to reform, professionalize, and enhance the capacity of our Police Force in meeting the dynamic security challenges of our nation.
He said, “We all recognize the pivotal role the Nigeria Police Force plays in maintaining law and order, protecting lives and property, and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens. However, we must equally acknowledge that the complexity of modern crime, the emergence of sophisticated criminal networks, and the increased demands placed on our officers necessitate a new approach to training and capacity development.
“Mr President, distinguished colleagues, the necessity of this Bill cannot be over-emphasised, the current state of Police training institutions across the country is inadequate to meet the growing demand of our law enforcement agencies. Many of our existing training facilities are underfunded, outdated, and lack the necessary infrastructure and curriculum to provide specialized training needed for today’s officers. Our officers need to be equipped not just with basic skills of policing but with the advance knowledge of intelligence gathering, forensic science, counter terrorism, cybercrime investigation, human rights enforcement and community policing techniques.
“Mr President, distinguished colleagues, the need for a modern, well-trained and highly professional Police Force cannot be overstated. In the face of rising security challenges, we must invest in the capacity of law enforcement agencies to perform their duties effectively. I therefore urge my colleagues to give their full support to this Bill. Together, let us take this critical step towards transforming the Nigeria Police Force into a more efficient, effective, and professional Institution. I so move,” he said.
Core Reporters understand that the Bill was read for the first time in the hallowed chamber on Wednesday, June 5, 2024.
Meanwhile, the seeks to among various objectives to develop a curriculum that reflects modern policing needs, focusing on areas such as counterterrorism, cybercrime, intelligence, criminal investigation, and community policing, while integrating human rights and conflict resolution training.
It also seek to equip these institutions with modern facilities equipment and qualified instructors, ensuring that the training provided is comprehensive, hands-on, and reflective of real-world challenges
To foster collaboration with international law enforcement bodies for knowledge exchange, technological transfer, and best practice sharing, allowing our officers to stay updated on global policing trends
And to promote continuous education and development for officers throughout their careers, emphasizing the importance of ongoing training particularly in light of the rapid advancements in technology and the evolving nature of crime among others.
Core Reporters report that Senators supported the bill whole heartedly considering the enormity of policing Nigeria as a state and the current insecurity ravaging her.
