The Puntland government has deployed more than 300 newly trained police officers to Garowe, the state’s capital, in a major security reinforcement effort aimed at curbing the rise of criminal and insecurity incidents reported in the city over the past few years.
The new recruits, who recently completed nearly a year of intensive training at the Carmo Police Academy, were selected through a competitive process that prioritized educated youth, including recent university and high school graduates.
Officials said the officers will be assigned to various police stations across Garowe, where they will replace the previous units currently manning those posts. Their official deployment and commencement of duties are expected within the coming days.
As part of the new initiative, the Puntland administration has equipped the force with new vehicles, communication gear, and light weapons, while also undertaking renovation and upgrading works at police facilities to support their operations.
Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni noted that the establishment of the new police force was driven by the need to enhance professionalism and discipline within the region’s security apparatus. He emphasized that a key cause of previous security lapses was the involvement of some officers in misconduct, including alcohol abuse.
“The new force represents a new era of professionalism, accountability, and service to the people,” President Deni said, stressing that the government’s priority is to restore public trust and ensure safety in the capital and beyond.
Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is expected to support the Puntland government in paying the salaries and operational costs of the new police contingent, as part of its ongoing partnership to strengthen local governance and security institutions in the region.
The deployment marks a significant step in Puntland’s broader efforts to reform its security sector and enhance stability across its key urban centers.
