ONE HUNDRED seventy one police officers under the intervention force, yesterday completed a four-month special training, including counter terrorism, as the force continues to build itself against emerging security threats.

The pass-out was held at Nasho Training School in Kirehe District. Training is part of the Rwanda National Police priorities to professionalise its force

The inspector general of police, Emmanuel K. Gasana, who presided over the pass-out parade, said the country needs their skills to counter any threat that can destabilise the peace and security it enjoys today.

"Days are changing and development comes with its challenges. We therefore need to strengthen our security to safeguard the country’s good governance and dignity, a reason you are here today,” IGP Gasana said.

The officers were trained in martial arts, tactics in special operations, public order and security management such as crowd control and event management.

They were trained to fit the current policing architecture, both locally and at the international level like peacekeeping missions. Rwanda maintains about 600 police officers in eight peacekeeping missions.

The police chief urged them to put into action what they learnt and always offer quality and professional services in any deployment, both in and out of the country.

The event was also attended by the Army Chief of Staff, Major Gen. Mushyo Kamanzi.