Nigeria sends 140 policemen to Mali

As part of efforts by the Federal Government to strengthen its on-slaught against domestic and global terrorism and help in restoring peace in troubled parts of Africa, the Nigeria Police has concluded plans to deploy a formed police unit of 140 officers and men to Mali, in support of the ECOWAS and the African Union-led Peace Initiatives in Mali.
The unit comprised specialised sections trained in riot control and counter-terrorism; and equipped with modern crime fighting and peacekeeping equipment and will depart Nigeria on Monday.
The Nigeria Police currently has seven staff officers already deployed in Mali, led by DCP Subair O. Kamar, who is the Deputy Police Commissioner in-charge of the African Mission in Mali.
The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, performed the official flag presentation ceremony on Friday at the Force Headquarters Parade ground, Abuja.
The ceremony witnessed the symbolic handing over to the Commander of the unit the national flag and the police flag, as symbols of authority to empower members of the unit to represent the nation and the Nigeria Police in the mission in Mali.
 The Nigeria Police contingent, designed to be self-sustaining, is deployed with full complement of Contingent Owned Equipment (COE) including patrol vehicles, armoured personnel carriers, arms and ammunition.
The contingent is also travelling with a team of medical doctors and nurses,   ambulances, drugs, first aid kits and other medical equipment.
To further boost the morale of the contingent and enable its members ensure the welfare of their dependants before departure, the IG has approved and directed the advance payment of one month allowance to every member of the unit.
Addressing the contingent members, the IGP charged them to display at all times, dedication and true commitment in the discharge of assigned roles.
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