More than 100 Somali police recruits have completed a three-month intensive training organized by the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) in Jubaland’s port city of Kismayo.

Speaking during the graduation ceremony, Saturday, Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe, said the new officers will be deployed in areas liberated from Al-Shabaab terrorists in Jubaland State to help maintain peace and security.

“We are currently in a state of conflict, and at these times, it is very important to have a strong police force which can take over the security in areas liberated by the military, maintain order, and bring services closer to the community,” President Madobe told the new officers.

The Federal Member State’s President was referring to the ongoing Federal Government of Somalia (FGS)-led offensive in the south and central Somalia which has regained swathes of land from Al Shabab control.

President Madobe lauded ATMIS for its continued support and urged partners to help equip the officers to enable them perform their duties effectively.

“We thank the ATMIS Police, Jubaland officials, and everyone who helped facilitate this high-level training. We request ATMIS and other partners to support the new recruits with the necessary equipment to function properly,” he added.

Jubaland State’s ATMIS Police Coordinating Officer, Superintendent of Police (SP) Okpara Emmanuel Ejike, said the recruitment process and the training imparted were in line with international policing standards.

“The recruits underwent the basic training in policing, gender, Somali penal code, arrest, stop and search, traffic, investigation, human rights, and all other issues required in international policing,” said SP Ejike.

The ATMIS officer noted that the number of female recruits had increased from nine in the previous batch to 20 and hoped that more would enroll in the next recruitment exercise.

Ismail Mohamed Kheer, one of the new graduates, expressed his eagerness to serve and contribute to the peace and development of Somalia.

“I am pleased to have completed the three-month training at the Police Academy. I hope to use the knowledge I have gained to help and protect my community,” Officer Kheer said.

The training is supported by ATMIS and other development partners under the Joint Police Programme and aims to strengthen Somalia’s policing capacity in both urban and rural areas.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).