Police train private security firms’ staff on explosives in war against terrorism

The fight against terrorism continued to gather momentum after the government teamed up with private security firms to seek a joint solution to the crime.

It is seen as a decisive step by the government to restore confidence to tourists following last year’s two abduction cases in Lamu by Somali bandits.

On Monday, the police department promised to work closely with private security firms in Coast Province, particularly along the 600 kilometre coastline to prevent any further terrorists attacks.

A joint training is being conducted in Mombasa, organised by a British based security private firm, XFOR Security Solution and top police officers. (Read: Osama ‘urged his children to shun terrorism’)

They are gathered at the Nyali Reef Hotel to coach more than 100 participants from different security firms.

Detecting explosives

The trainees will learn various ways of detecting explosives and how to collect intelligence in their respective work places, especially in hotels and other business premises, such as supermarkets.

The merger comes days after a security firm, Brinks Security based in Mombasa aided in the arrest of a British who was taking pictures near the Central Bank, Mombasa branch and various sensitive premises in Mombasa town.

Speaking while opening the training, Coast Provincial Police boss Aggrey Adoli and provincial Anti-Terrorism department head Elijah Rop said the knowledge will ensure private security firms’ employees are conversant with various explosives which might be a threat to the business they offer security services to.

“We have decided to organise this meeting to ensure all private firms which are scattered all over the region are equipped with knowledge on how to counter terrorism which has proved to be a threat not only in Kenya but in the world at large,” said Mr Adoli.

The PPO said most of the private security firms had very little knowledge about terrorism, making it difficult to counter terrorism.

“Today we shall display some of then explosives and materials commonly used by terrorists so that whenever a guard comes across such an item, he or she can easily identify it and take necessary measures,” he said.

Mr Adoli said the training was aimed at, among others, restoring confidence in tourists. Those who were first targeted in the training are security firms offering services to hotel industry along the Coast from Vanga to Kiunga.

“The training will help in intelligence building for security firm staffs and they will play a key role in helping police to beef up security along the beaches where we have hundreds of hotels. By assuring tourists of their security, we hope the country’s image will be upheld as a safe destination,” said Mr Adoli.

He said the security firms which were deployed in various premises can play a vital role in ensuring the security is sustained in the country.

The PPO said the same training will be extended to members of the public so as to make security second nature even in households.

“Security is the duty of every individual, that is why police are moving to the grassroots to embrace community policing and have adequate information on what is happening on the ground,” he said.

Anti-terrorism chief, Mr Rop, on the other hand said terrorists had vast methodology, but the force was on a lookout to wipe them.