No fewer than 703 Special Police Constables from Sokoto and Kebbi states, on Tuesday, graduated from the Police Training School in Sokoto.

The special constabulary system is in line with the principles and ideology of community policing, currently being championed by the Force Headquarters.

This is part of the ongoing police reform to provide local solutions to local problems of crimes and fear of crime in communities.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Inspection General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, said that the policing system was adopted to augment the shortage of manpower in the police force.

“Therefore, the need to recruit about 40,000 of special constabulary nationwide to serve as the supporting arm of the police to combat insurgency and other crimes,’’ Mr. Adamu said.

Represented by the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Zone 10, Muhammad Mustapha, the IG tasked the new constables to imbibe patriotism and prepare themselves for more training and service to the nation.

“You have all been trained and told how to secure yourselves because safety security is very important.

“And I expect all of you to observe the rules of engagement.

“The tasks before you are enormous, looking at what we are going through on banditry, cattle rustling, kidnapping and insurgency among other crimes,’’ he said.

The Training School Commander, ACP Kabir Muhammad, said that 704 participants arrived at the training school for the exercise.

“As it is today, I am glad to report that 703 are now cleared and given the IG’s approval to serve as Special Constables.

“From the figure, Kebbi state has 336 while Sokoto has 367,’’ he said.

Ibrahim Kaoje, the Police Commissioner in Sokoto state, assured that the command would provide all necessary tools to the new constables to enable them to exercise their mandate.