The Kaduna State Police Command has issued an advisory to residents of Igabi Local Government Area and surrounding communities to stay away from designated zones as police recruits engage in a two-day shooting range exercise.
The exercise, which forms part of the final phase of training for recruit constables at the Police College, Kaduna, will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Amanan Kasuwa Shooting Range Ground along the Mararaban Jos–Panbegua Road in Igabi LGA.
In a statement on Monday, the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, explained that the drill is aimed at sharpening the recruits’ operational skills in weapons handling and preparing them for future security challenges.
“This is a routine training exercise for recruit constables currently undergoing training at the Police College, Kaduna. We are appealing to residents, farmers, and commuters who usually ply the area to take note of this advisory and avoid the marked vicinity throughout the exercise,” Hassan said.
He assured the public that there is no cause for alarm, emphasizing that gunshots heard during the period would be from a controlled training under the supervision of experienced instructors.
The Command also confirmed that personnel had been deployed to secure the shooting range and its surroundings to prevent accidents or trespassing.
“We want to reassure everyone that the exercise will be conducted under strict safety guidelines. Adequate steps have been taken to prevent any mishap,” Hassan added.
Highlighting the importance of the exercise, the police spokesman noted that such drills enhance the professional competence of new officers as they prepare for deployment across Nigeria.
“This kind of training is very important because it enhances the operational readiness of our officers. Nigeria is currently dealing with multiple security challenges, and it is vital that our policemen and women are well-prepared to respond effectively,” he said.
The Command urged residents to cooperate and not misinterpret the sounds of gunfire as a security breach. Normalcy, it said, would return by Thursday.
