No fewer than 100 police officers from across the South East are undergoing intensive training on modern automobile skills in Enugu, as part of efforts to adapt policing operations to evolving automotive technology.
The training programme is being organised by the Nigerian Police Trust Fund (NPTF) in collaboration with the Anambra Motor Manufacturing Company (ANAMMCO), located in Emene, Enugu State.
Speaking during a visit to the training centre in Enugu, Tuesday, the Executive Secretary of the NPTF, Mohammed Sheidu, said the initiative was critical because technicians and mechanics play a central role in the mobility and effectiveness of the Nigeria Police Force.
According to him, building a strong maintenance culture within the police requires deliberate investment in training officers to properly manage and sustain operational assets, particularly vehicles.
“This training is extremely important. As you can see, the officers are enthusiastic and are learning practical skills from the instructors at ANAMMCO,” Sheidu said.
He stressed that effective policing goes beyond the procurement of vehicles and equipment, noting that long-term maintenance determines their value and lifespan.
“Maintenance is the key. It is not just about buying equipment, but how well you maintain it over the years. That is what we are trying to achieve,” he added.
Sheidu explained that the NPTF intends to institutionalise a maintenance-driven culture within the police force, ensuring that trained technicians and mechanics can independently sustain police assets over time.
He further disclosed that the trainees were selected from police headquarters and commands within Enugu and neighbouring states, adding that similar training programmes were being replicated nationwide as hosted in Enugu.
Some of the participants, while commending the NPTF and the Nigeria Police Force for the initiative, expressed concern that the five-day duration of the programme was insufficient.
Inspector Ebuka Mkpokpo of the Anambra State Command described the training as impactful but called for an extension to allow for deeper hands-on experience.
“The training is very good, but five days is not enough, especially for the mechanical aspect. We need more practical sessions and more time to fully grasp the skills,” he said.
Similarly, Constable Munachimso Augustine from the Police College, Oji River, described the programme as a rare and valuable opportunity.
“For me, it’s a great experience. We’ve been trained on automobile mechanics and electrical systems, and it has been very enlightening,” she said.
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