The 18th Squadron of the Police Mobile Force, Owerri, on Monday passed out the first batch of specially trained officers in arms-handling and movement.

The training which was initiated by the Imo Commissioner of Police, Mr Adisa Bolanta, lasted for two weeks and featured a total of 127 officers.

The commander of the squadron, Mr Nengi Jephthah, said the course was a special one for officers to keep them agile and combat ready at all times and would continue till all police officers n the state participated.

He said another batch of officers would embark on the training from Tuesday.

The training, which was held at the Police Training School, Nonwa, Rivers state, was an intensive course in special range training and fitness and agility drills.

Speaking at the ceremony, the police commissioner said the training was to improve the professionalism and operational skills of officers in the state, particularly in arms handling.

He said the aim of the training was to provide an enabling environment for the citizens to enjoy a crime-free Christmas and New Year celebrations.

“By the time these officers return to their formations, they would have improved drastically and this will help in the fight against crime.

“We are combat ready and specially prepared now to ensure that there is a peaceful Christmas and New Year celebrations,” he said.

Bolanta urged the graduating officers to impart the special skills they had gained in their different divisions for the benefit of officers who are yet to be trained.

The ceremony also featured the presentation of gifts to the three best marksmen in the batch, Uduak Umanah, an inspector; Anthony Ukomi, a corporal and Oluchi Mba, also a corporal.