By Kemo Kanyi
The Police Intervention Unit personnel of the Gambia Police Force has recently concluded specialized training on VIP protection, special operations, and some key areas of security responsibility. The three-month security training was conducted by the Turkish Gendarmerie through the Turkey-Gambia relationship.
The training was set up to equip the Gambia police officers with the necessary skills for peace and security maintenance towards the forthcoming Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) meeting in May 2024.
Commissioner Adlin Basangeh, Head of the Police Intervention Unit (PIU), urged the graduates to live up to expectations in carrying out the skills gained in 12 weeks of the training period.
“Since 2017, the Gambia police force has undergone a lot of security reforms and training, and the PIU has benefited from all of these.
The significance of the day is remarkable as 180 security personnel, which consists of four batches, underwent an intensive 12 weeks, each three weeks of continuous training ranging from protection on food techniques, protection on vehicle techniques, protection principles and responsibilities, preparation and planning for VIP protection duties, room and building clearing techniques and a lot more.
As they stand on the trace hold of this chapter, he urged them not to forget their solemn responsibilities and rules.
“Each of you has been entrusted with the safety and responsibility of your fellow citizens with utmost seriousness and dedication. The skills and knowledge that you have acquired in the training will be invaluable in fulfilling these responsibilities, enabling you to respond effectively to every threat and challenge,” he urged.
He thanked the Turkish Gendarmerie for providing such needed skill acquisition to his men as it will go a long way in helping the PIU realise their dreams of having a professional force.
Momodou Sowe, the Deputy Inspector General of the Gambia Police Force, challenged the trainees to accomplish tasks given to them for the peace and security of the nation. He sighted the importance of the training to the police especially at this crucial time that the Gambia is approaching to host the second biggest international conference.
The DIG of the police recalled the partnership between the Turkish Gendarmerie and the Gambia security that dated back to the 1990s.
Turker Abo, Turkish Ambassador to The Gambia, said he contended with the whole training period as participants were well disciplined during the programme.
“It’s a great pleasure and honor for me to present today and address distinguished guests and participants at the PIU camp, here, in Kanifing. The closing ceremony of this training was organized by the Turkish Gendarmerie for Gambia police force, Gambia Armed Force, and State Intelligence Services (SIS) personnel. I would like to sincerely thank the Turkish Gendarmerie for planning this training. The hospitality expanded to our personnel by the Gambian side was exemplary,” he expressed.
He, therefore, thanked and disclosed he was very happy to learn about the professionalism of participants, apart from technical aspects, he said each activity also allowed sites to interact and learn about the culture of the other hands, create solid working relationships, and be friends.
The OIC Summit needs security and will be one of the most important components for the success of this important event.
Certificates were awarded to the trainees for their outstanding commitment to the course.