20100405
ALLAFRICA

Female police officers from Nigeria will be deployed to Liberia for peace keeping operations, Inspector General of Police Obonna Onovo has said. Onovo made the remarks yesterday during the visit of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) to Liberia (SRSG) Madam Ellen Margrethe to the police headquarters in Abuja.

He said an all-Female Police Formed Unit (FPFU) consisting of Nigerians will be deployed to Liberia to keep peace under the UN Peace Mission, adding that the police authorities will consider the request of the SRSG on the training of the Liberia National Police in Nigeria.

A FPFU may consist of between 120 and 150 policemen. India has sent one to Liberia under the sponsorship of the UN.

He also said there was an efficient utilisation of resources of the various components in the United Nations Mission in Liberia urging that the peace restored in the country be exploited for economic growth and development.

A formed Police Unit consisting of Nigerians is in Liberia under the UN peacekeeping.

Earlier, Madam Ellen Margrethe had requested the training of Liberian police in Nigeria and asked for assistance in the maintenance of the Nigeria contingent owned equipment.

She also requested the deployment of Police Specialists with skills in Human Resources Management and Investigation, saying Nigerian police peacekeepers in Liberia are hardworking and disciplined.