US embassy donates equipment to Nigerian mobile police force officers serving in Borno State

AMERICA’S embassy in Nigeria has donated $325,000 worth of protective equipment to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) as part of its commitment to assist with the fight against insecurity in the northeast.

Nigeria has been fighting a war against Boko Haram terrorists in the northeast of the country since 2009 and one of the major constraints of the security forces have been that they lack the required equipment to get the job done. Like several other nations, the US has pledged to provide logistical support, training and equipment to Nigeria as its contribution to the cause.

Yesterday, the office of the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) of the US embassy in Abuja, donated equipment to the 500 Mobile Police Force officers currently serving in Borno State. Equipment donated included bulletproof protective vests, bulletproof helmets, goggles and 20 ballistic shields.

Other equipment includes tents, mosquito nets, first aid boxes, heavy-duty flashlights, foldable mattresses and hygiene products. While presenting the equipment to the Borno State police commissioner Akeera Yunuss Mohammed, INL director, James Jewett stated that the equipment will be transferred to the Mobile Patrol Division of the NPF officers assigned to Borno State.

Mr Jewett added: “By providing these supplies and equipment, INL is complimenting prior USAid investments in Borno State through the Office of Transition Initiatives. We are proud to stand with Nigerian law enforcement on the front line of maintaining peace and security and this donation will improve the health and security of those brave men and women committed to providing law and order.”