Eleven security personnel attached to OIC Gambia have returned from their intensive training in Turkey ahead of the summit next year.

The capacity–building training was held under a technical assistance programme between the governments of The Gambia and Turkey.

They are drawn from the army, police, intelligence, fire and rescue service, aviation security, drug law enforcement agency, among others.

“The mission was a training of trainers. During our stay in Ankara, we were exposed to modern trends and techniques in counterterrorism, aviation security, explosive detection and disposal, among other crucial themes.

“The training will significantly enhance our ongoing planning and operations for the Summit by a huge margin. Security is a critical element of the ongoing preparation for the OIC Heads of State and Government scheduled to take place in Banjul in 2022. 

“In its effort to strengthen the capacity and capabilities of the country’s security forces, the OIC Secretariat continues to facilitate the provision of security apparatuses/gears and capacity–building opportunities. Equipping the police will keep the streets of The Gambia safe before, during, and after the summit,” OIC said in a statement.

“Along similar lines, on Monday, the Secretariat launched a counter-terrorism training for 50 members of the police and other security services at the PIU headquarters in Kanifing,” it added.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba