Gatsibo-At least 22 officers of the Rwanda Nation Police (RPN) completed a three-month course in driving and maintenance of Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), at Gabiro School of Amour, yesterday.

The trainees were trained in driving the APCs in all kinds of terrains, at night, during the day and in towns.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Emmanuel Gasana, who officially closed the course, expressed gratitude  to the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) for offering the training.

The Police Chief said that RNP offers its staff long term training in general and specialised fields.

"RNP is expected to curb terrorism, drug trafficking, cyber crimes, violent demonstrations, etc. It is in this line that we need use of APCs to back up inter-force unity,” he said.

The IGP added that the police has been keeping peace in troubled states around the world, and hence needs such high level security skills.

"As some philosophers say, ‘if you think education is expensive, try ignorance’. We are not going to tire to train our men and officers...the returns are worth the investment,” he said.

Lt. Colonel Didace Ndahiro of Gabiro School of Amour said the trainees completed the course successfully.

He said that the mechanised school looks forward to helping the police develop itself in the field.

Francois Ngarukiyinwari, who emerged best among the trainees, said that he emerged the best student because of his determination to excel in whatever he does.

"I never expected to be the best student, but of course I have been hard-working since I started the course,” he said.

The training of maintenance and driving of APCs was the first of its kind in RNP.

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