Burkina Faso graduates 655 new judicial police officers to bolster security
Bobo-Dioulasso hosted the graduation ceremony for Burkina Faso’s 27th class of Judicial Police Officers (OPJ) on June 27, marking a strategic push to strengthen national security amid persistent terrorist threats. The cohort of 655 graduates – including 21 women – underwent intensive five-month training at the National Gendarmerie Non-Commissioned Officers Qualification Center.
The program, attended by personnel from Burkina Faso and four allied nations (Guinea, Congo, Mali, Niger), equipped officers with specialized skills in criminal procedure, financial counterterrorism, and judicial fieldwork.
This mass recruitment reflects President Ibrahim Traoré’s strategy to professionalize security forces and restore state authority across vulnerable territories.
“These officers represent our frontline defense against organized crime and terrorism,” stated officials during the ceremony. The initiative responds to citizens’ demands for enhanced security and justice delivery while demonstrating Burkina Faso’s commitment to sovereign security solutions.
With this graduation, Burkina Faso takes another step in rebuilding a more robust, better-trained security apparatus capable of addressing the nation’s complex challenges.
