The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) says it has expended $16 million to build nine police barracks in the North East states within the four years it operated in the zone.

It also disclosed that the barracks were fully equipped, even as it rehabilitated the Police Training Centre in Jos, while no fewer than 400 trainers were also trained to train about 20,000 trainees in the Police Force.

Resident Representative of UNDP, Muhammed Yahaya revealed this in Abuja yesterday at the headquarters of the Ministry of Police Affairs when he paid a courtesy visit to the Minister, Ibrahim Gaidam.

Yahaya stated that they invested such a huge amount of money for police in the region because they were pleased by the commitment of the federal government towards police reform.

According to him, the UNDP remains committed to supporting FG's efforts through partnership with the German Foreign Office.

"This partnership with the Ministry of Police Affairs is a significant stride towards elevating policing standards, supporting greater accountability and fostering deeper collaboration for effective policing," the official said.

Responding, Gaidam reiterated that the UNDP's project on police reform aligns perfectly with the objectives of the ministry and they are determined to work hand-in-hand with the United Nations to achieve shared goals.

He said, "The UNDP's support in this endeavour has been instrumental and we are grateful for the technical expertise and resources that have been extended to us. The visit of the UNDP team has provided us with valuable insights into the work that has been accomplished so far.