The Inspector General of Police (IGP) for Tanzania Police Force (TPF), Gen. Simon Nyakoro Sirro, who is in Rwanda since September 6, for a four-day bilateral visit, on Thursday, September 9, toured various Rwanda National Police (RNP) operational facilities in Rubavu District.

IGP Sirro visited the RNP Western Region Police Unit (RPU) headquarters where he was received by the Regional Police Commander, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Edmond Kalisa.

CSP Kalisa gave an overview of the RNP policing activities in the region made up of seven districts, namely; Rubavu, Nyabihu, Ngororero, Rutsiro, Karongi, Nyamasheke and Rusizi.

The Tanzanian Police Chief was also explained on the RNP operations in the region that lies on the borderline with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

"This is a region where almost every district is on the borderline with DRC; smuggling, drug trafficking and illegal cross-border are the majority crimes registered largely facilitated by porous borders. There are also rare cases of infiltrators attempting to bleach the national security,” CSP Kalisa said.

He added that RNP collaborates with other security organs and the public to overcome any cross-border security threats through information sharing.

IGP Sirro toured various facilities at the regional headquarters related to Police welfare, including the Police hostel, kitchen and mess.

He later visited One Stop Border Post commonly known as La Corniche border between Rwanda and DRC where he observed the Police border security operations to ensure safe traffic flow across borders.

The Tanzanian Police Chief lauded RNP's professional border operations.

“It is commendable how Rwanda National Police performs to maintain security in different domains. The level of community policing in Rwanda is also high and creates impact in detecting and facilitating successful security operation, arresting criminals through information sharing, but also how Police ensures road security and preventing road accidents," IGP Sirro said.

He also commended the improved Police welfare which he said is part of a professional Police.