The office of the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) of the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria has donated equipment valued over $325,000 to the Nigerian Police.
The equipment, according to a statement by the Embassy on Friday, will aid in counter-insurgency operations in the northeast and restore civilian authority in areas affected by the Boko Haram insurgency.
INL Director James Jewett presented the equipment to the Commissioner of Police Akeera Yunuss Mohammed, who represented the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu at the function.
The equipment will be transferred to the Mobile Patrol Division of the Nigeria Police Force officers assigned to Borno State.
The statement read: “For the 500 officers of the Mobile Police Force currently serving in the state, INL provided bulletproof protective vests and bulletproof helmets, goggles, and 20 ballistic shields. A tent, mosquito nets, first aid boxes, heavy-duty flashlights, foldable mattresses and other hygiene products were also provided.”
It added that: “By providing these supplies and equipment, INL is complimenting prior USAID investments in Borno State through the Office of Transition Initiatives.”
The statement quoted James Jewett to have said: “We are proud to stand with Nigerian law enforcement on the front line of maintaining peace and security. This donation will improve the health and security of those brave men and women committed to providing law and order.”
