The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Wednesday vowed to replicate the establishment of Nigeria Police Force Indoor Shooting Simulation Centre across the federation to build the capacity of officers and men of police personnel to shape up with the challenges of modern policing and guarantee national security.
Egbetokun made this pledge on Wednesday, while unveiling the first of its kind, state of the art, and well equipped Nigeria Police Force Indoor Shooting Simulation Centre, situated at the Nigeria Police Finance House in Abuja.
The police boss noted that it is the aspiration of the police management team that it will, in support of critical stakeholder, establish similar training centres across Nigeria, that will play a critical role in ensuring the safety and security of the country.
He urged officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force, to embrace the facility and unlock its full potential for their professional advancement and better service delivery to the Nigerian people.
According to him, the cutting edge facility, which is poised to set a new standard for law enforcement training in Nigeria and beyond, is a testament to the innovative spirit and collaborative efforts of our ICT Department, and our partners consortium of Simulation Technologies Ltd., Barcode Centre Ltd., and Automatic Identification and Mobility.
This Centre being commissioned, he said is a key resource for training and development within the Nigeria Police Force. Egbetokun said: “It contributes to the overall professionalism and effectiveness of our law enforcement operations. The facility marks a major milestone in our pursuit of excellence in police training, as it is specifically designed to provide our officers with the most sophisticated and practical training scenarios available. It empowers them to refine their skills and respond to complex situations with confidence and precision.
“The Simulation Centre is more than just a training facility; it is a comprehensive, multi-functional hub equipped with the latest technology to ensure our officers are well-prepared to handle any situation.
The Centre includes an office area for administration, a control cockpit, debriefing rooms, post-action review and analysis spaces, report generation facilities, an armoury, and records offices”.
IGP said the centre boasts of the latest technology, including virtual reality simulators, interactive targets, and advanced firearms training systems, stressing that these resources enables its officers to practice shooting techniques, tactical manoeuvres, and decision- making skills safely.
He said, training at this centre will undoubtedly contribute to a reduction in shooting-related incidents involving officers and an increase in the overall effectiveness of its law enforcement operations.
He said, the Centre’s capacity extends beyond police training, as it is equipped to train personnel from our sister security agencies with specialized modules where needed.
“In the realm of sports, the Centre offers training for the International Practical Shooting Confederation Competition, International Shooting Sports Federation, and other sports-based Shooting courses, including Olympic Shooting Games training. Additionally, it can also serve as a training centre for prospective firearm licensees, providing basic firearms handling, safety, and maintenance training. The benefits of this Centre are numerous. It offers significant cost savings by reducing the need for expensive live ammunition and provides modern technology for tactical skill acquisition,” he said.
Noting that increased safety is ensured, as training exercises are conducted in a safe, controlled environment with non-hazardous firearms and ammunition, Egbetokun concluded that the Centre also offers scalability and flexibility, allowing for the creation of unlimited tactical and shooting exercises tailored to the needs of different units within the Nigeria Police Force.
Earlier in his address of welcome, the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in charge of ICT Department, Force Headquarters, DIG Sokari-Pedro Daniel said the unveiling of the state of the act centre marked a significant milestone in effort of police to enhance the training and operational capability of its personnel.
This multimillion Naira facility, he said is a testaments to its commitment for excellence and dedication to provide the best possible resources for its officers and men.
“The simulation shooting range will enable our personnel to horn their skills into a realistic and massive environment, preparing them for modern policing. We restate our commitment to security and safety of our nation, we will continue to push the boundary of innovation and excellence in our pursuit for the safer and more prosperous Nigeria,” the DIG concluded.
Ikechukwu Aleke
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