The Kaduna State Police Command has announced a two-day shooting drill for its newly recruited officers and has advised residents and commuters to stay away from the designated training area to avoid panic and ensure safety.
According to a statement released by the State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, the live-fire exercise will take place at the Amanan Kasuwa Shooting Range located along the Mararaban Jos–Panbegua Road in Igabi Local Government Area of the state. The exercise is scheduled to commence on Tuesday and conclude on Wednesday.
DSP Hassan urged members of the public not to panic over the sounds of gunfire during the period, assuring that all necessary safety measures have been put in place to protect both participants and the general public.
“The public should not be alarmed by the sounds of gunfire during the exercise. The Command has ensured strict safety protocols,” the statement read.
He explained that the drill is a routine part of police training aimed at enhancing the operational readiness and marksmanship of the officers. It is also designed to prepare them for real-life security challenges, especially in the face of rising threats such as banditry, kidnapping, and violent crime across the region.
“This training is aimed at sharpening the operational capabilities of our personnel so they can be better prepared to protect lives and property in the state and beyond,” DSP Hassan added.
Kaduna State, particularly its outskirts and some rural communities, has faced persistent security challenges in recent years, with criminal gangs often operating in forested areas around the Kaduna-Abuja expressway and other flashpoints. The government and security agencies have since intensified efforts to combat these threats through both intelligence operations and tactical field training.
The shooting drill comes at a time when the Nigeria Police Force is undergoing major reforms, including enhanced training for officers and improved equipment, in line with directives from the federal government. These reforms aim to build a more professional and responsive police force capable of dealing with current security realities.
DSP Hassan also urged residents in the Igabi area and surrounding communities to cooperate with the police and avoid unnecessary movement near the shooting range throughout the two-day period.
Motorists using the Mararaban Jos–Panbegua route have also been advised to consider alternative routes, as minor traffic restrictions may be put in place for safety reasons during the exercise.
Reacting to the announcement, some residents welcomed the drill, saying it was a sign that the police are taking proactive steps to improve security preparedness.
“We hope this training will help improve their response to incidents in our communities,” said Malam Suleiman, a resident of nearby Rigasa. “We’ve had our fair share of insecurity here, so anything that helps the police perform better is a welcome development.”
Others, however, expressed concern about the potential for panic, especially among those not aware of the drill. Community leaders have urged the police to extend awareness campaigns to local radio stations and religious centres to ensure the message reaches rural dwellers and non-literate populations.
In response, the police command assured that announcements have been circulated across various media platforms and that local leaders have been briefed ahead of the exercise. DSP Hassan also noted that the training would be supervised by experienced police instructors, and that all firearms used will be accounted for in line with standard procedures.
The Nigerian Police Force has recently ramped up recruitment and training of new personnel nationwide as part of efforts to bridge the gap in manpower and improve security at the grassroots level. Thousands of new recruits have been deployed to police academies and zonal commands for various levels of training, including weapons handling, civil-military relations, and crowd control.
The Kaduna shooting drill is expected to end on Wednesday evening, after which normal activities in the area will resume. The Police Command has called on all residents to remain calm and cooperate fully throughout the period.
“We appreciate the understanding and support of the good people of Kaduna State as we continue to work for the safety and security of all,” DSP Hassan concluded.
