“It is a great opportunity for me to meet with my police
officers and see what they are doing, the activities they are engaged
in, and also identify some of the challenges they face,” the ATMIS
Police Commissioner said.
This is Kanu’s first visit to the federal member states since assuming office early this month.
The Police Commissioner held several meetings with senior
ATMIS officials based in the administrative capitals of Kismayo, Baidoa
and Jowhar, where matters of security and welfare of police officers
were discussed.
She urged police officers to remain steadfast in the
implementation of the Mission’s mandate, which includes building the
capacity of the Somali Police Force through training, mentoring and
provision of operational support.
“We are here to bring peace to Somalia. We are also here
to ensure Somali Police officers are able to stand on their own and
execute their duties effectively,” she noted, adding that ATMIS is keen
on helping the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) establish a
professional police force capable of protecting civilians and
maintaining law and order.
“I appeal that we all focus on effective training so that
we can meet the mandate of ATMIS Police,” said Kanu who holds the rank
Commissioner of Police (CP). CP Kanu hailed the officers for their
commitment and urged them to discharge their duties selflessly and with
dedication.
“The reason for our coming here is to ensure that there is
peace, and that is what we have to concentrate on. We can only manage
by working together with all the components of ATMIS,” CP Kanu noted.
The Acting Coordinator of ATMIS Police in Hirshabelle,
Marafa Manu, hailed the visit, saying it had boosted the morale of
police officers in the sector.
“This visit gave us more confidence to perform our duties
effectively. We will continue to work hard to achieve the mandate of
ATMIS,” said Manu, a Superintendent of Police (SP) by rank.
The Police Commissioner was accompanied by the new ATMIS
Police Operations and FPU Coordinator, Assistant Commissioner of Police
(ACP), Ahmed Lateef and the ATMIS Police Training and Development
Coordinator, ACP Asiedu Okanta Samuel ATMIS police component comprises
Individual Police Officers (IPOs) and Formed Police Units deployed in
the Federal Member States, to help build the capacity of the Somali
Police Force, ensure the rule of law and support community policing
initiatives.
