Rwanda National Police

A combined 'Command Post' and 'Field Training' exercises on counter-terrorism ended on May 26, at the Police Training School (PTS) Gishari in Rwamagana District.

A total of  82 Police officers drawn from different units of Rwanda National Police (RNP) took part in the one-week exercise code named: “Jilinde counter-terrorism exercise.”

The Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) in charge of Operations, Felix Namuhoranye while presiding over the official closing of the exercise, observed that "one week training should be considered as an introduction."

"Continuous training is one of the RNP key priorities to develop skills on security threats that requires multi-skills and readiness," DIGP Namuhoranye said.

“This counter terrorism exercise is an introduction, we will continue to develop high level skills. We are in a region that remains fragile and prone to terrorism, which calls for continuous training and developing modern methods to detect and deter such evil plans,” he added.

Such terror acts in the region, he said, provided a big lesson to always be prepared with quick response skills and equipment, to be in control.

“Training in counter terrorism  and other policing fields is key for the force to professionally  achieve its policing mandate in an evolving policing landscape to guarantee safety of the people and their property,” the Deputy Police Chief said.

One of trainees, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) David Mugume, said that the acquired skills enhanced their understanding anf readiness in response to terror threats.  

"This exercise was paramount for us to be able to develop effective plans during counter-terrorism operations and rescue missions in case of hostages or to prevent other from being captured," CIP Mugume said.   

During the one week counter-training, participants covered key aspects such as command post set up, mapping and map reading and counter terrorism operations including hostage rescue as well as operations in urban or congested areas.