The Senate has passed for second reading, a bill meant to establish the Nigeria Police Special Forces and the Nigeria Police Special Forces Training School, in Gwoza, Borno State.

The sponsor of the Bill, who is also the Chairman, Senate Committee on the Army, Senator Ali Ndume, said the proposed legislation would enable the country to effectively fight banditry and terrorism when established.

Ndume in his lead debate, said: “The Nigeria Police Special Forces Training School in Gwoza would among others, combat the menace of terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and other heinous crimes.

“It will train the required manpower for the Special Forces in order to enhance effective National Security through provision of professionalised training, knowledge as well as to award certificates to deserving and qualified officers on successful completion of training,” he added.

He said, the objectives of the bill was among others to combat the menace of terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and other heinous crimes as well as investigate all terrorist related crimes.

He also said the proposed agency would collaborate with other sister security agencies within Nigeria and relevant international agencies on matters relating to terrorism.

He added that the agency would engage in information and intelligence gathering activities.

He insisted that the Bill will go a long way to help in training manpower that can effectively combat the menace caused by the outlawed groups.

Senators Chukwuka Utazi and Emmanuel Orker-Jev kicked against the bill.

They claimed that the establishment of another special force, would lead to duplication of the roles of the Nigeria Police Force.

However, other Senators overwhelmingly supported the bill and expressed hope that it would help a great deal in tackling insurgency, banditry and kidnappings in most parts of the country. (The Nation)

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