The Imo Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says it has trained 45 female officers for its Rapid Response Squad.
The State Commandant of the corps, Michael Ogar, said this during the Passsing-Out Parade of the officers on Wednesday in Owerri.
Ogar said the three months training was in line with the directive of the Commandant-General of the corps, Ahmed Abubakar-Audu.
He said the officers underwent training in physical fitness, endurance of harsh conditions, handling of firearms and show of civility in their areas of assignment.
He further said they would be deployed to schools in the state to check the rising attacks on schools and kidnapping of students.
The NSCDC boss thanked Gov. Hope Uzodimma for providing support and the enabling environment for the successful training of the officers.
“Under my watch, we ensured that these gallant female officers passed through rigorous training to equip them to respond to criminality in their various places of assignments.
“We want them to be the best in Nigeria, providing security, especially in schools, and we will train more persons if need be,” Ogar said.
In a speech, the governor congratulated the officers on their successful training and hoped they would help to address the security challenges in the state, especially in schools.
“Kidnapping in schools is fast becoming the order of the day and the NSCDC has shown capacity in the face of this challenge.
“I wish you well as you are deployed in schools and by the grace of God, issues of insecurity will become things of the past,” Uzodinma, represented by his deputy, Prof. Placid Njoku, said.
Highlights of the event included the demonstration of special drills in anti-ambush, anti-kidnapping, urban patrol and dismantling and assembling of rifles, while blindfolded.
Also, officers, who distinguished themselves, as well as the trainers, were presented with awards of excellence.
The National Daily reports that the event was attended by heads of military and paramilitary agencies as well as some traditional rulers in the state.