ATMIS deploys 160 officers to support the Somali Police Force in law and order

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: The police component of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has been bolstered by the arrival of 160 officers of the Nigerian Formed Police Unit, who will provide support to the Somali Police Force in line with the Somalia Transition Plan.

The new group is replacing the Nigerian Formed Police Unit 10, which has just returned to Nigeria after serving a tour of duty that included assisting with security during the most recent parliamentary and presidential polls.

In accordance with the UN Security Council Resolution, ATMIS Police Unit will have 1, 040 personnel, including five Formed Police Units (FPUs), and will maintain that number until December 2024.

“These officers are well-trained and disciplined. They will fulfill the mandate that has been assigned to them, and will not fail their country or the African Union,” said Superintendent Mohammed Ibrahim, the contingent commander, when he received the officers on arrival in Mogadishu.

The officers are required, among other duties, assist the Somali police in delivering services across the country and help combat violent extremism and social unrest through community policing, managing public order, and other crime prevention techniques.

Deputy Superintendent of Police, Fidelix Jonah Awu, who led the incoming team, noted that NFPU-11 is adequately prepared to play its role in enhancing law and order, the rule of law and efforts to restore peace and stability in Somalia.

This is Nigeria’s eleventh police unit to be deployed to Somalia since 2012. The police contributing countries (PCCs) of ATMIS are Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Uganda and Zambia who are deployed across the five operational sectors.