The Senate on Tuesday passed for a second reading, the bill meant to establish the Nigerian Police Special Forces and the Nigeria Police Special Forces Training School, in Gwoza, Borno State.
According to The PUNCH, the Chairman, Senate Committee on the Army, Senator Ali Ndume, who is also the sponsor of the bill said the proposed legislation would enable the country effectively tackle banditry and terrorism when established.
He said, “The Nigeria Police Special Forces Training School in Gwoza would among others, combat the menace of terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and other heinous crimes.
“It will train the required manpower for the Special Forces in order to enhance effective National Security through the provision of professionalised training, knowledge as well as to award certificates to deserving and qualified officers on the successful completion of training.”
He also said the proposed agency would collaborate with other sister agencies within Nigeria and relevant international agencies on matters relating to terrorism.
The Senator added the agency would engage in information and intelligence-gathering activities.
Ndume added, “The bill will provide advanced training in anti-terrorism, drills, counter-insurgency, espionage and disorder management for serving police officers and other other heinous crimes investigate all terrorist related crimes.
“Security agents from in and outside Nigeria, and provide regular courses and training that qualifies regular Nigeria police personnel to serve in the Police Mobile Force Units.
He added that the bill would go a long way to help in training manpower that can effectively combat the menace caused by the outlawed groups.
However, Senators Chukwuka Utazi (PDP Enugu-North) and Oker Jev (PDP Benue-North) kicked against the bill.
The duo at the plenary claimed that the establishment of other special forces would lead to duplication of the roles of the Nigeria Police Force.
They, however, lost the arguments when other senators overwhelmingly supported the bill and expressed hope that it would help a great deal in tackling insurgency, banditry and kidnappings in most parts of the country.
