The RSIPF SWAT Team welcome home after participating in UAE SWAT Challenge in Dubai

The Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) welcomes home after participating in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) SWAT Challenge in Dubai from 7 to 11 February 2026.

Acting Commissioner of the RSIPF, Mr. Mathias Lenialu, and his executive present at the Henderson International Airport to welcome the arrival of the RSIPF SWAT Team. CPLT Commissioner Mr. Liu Shenghuang and his members also took part in the welcome ceremony today (13 February 2026).

Commissioner Lenialu, on behalf of the RSIPF, welcomed the team after a week-long challenge with other countries around the world. Pride, dedication, and teamwork highlight the importance of collaboration to build the capability of the RSIPF.

The commissioner also emphasized the valuable lessons learned during the competition, which strengthen future efforts of the RSIPF SWAT Team. Although our team ranked 89 of 109 teams that participated in the SWAT challenge.

He encouraged the team to continue applying these experiences in their daily operations and to share their experiences with fellow officers. This, he believed, would not only enhance individual skill but also foster a culture of continuous improvement within the force.

Acting Commissioner Lenialu during the welcome program thanked the CPLT Commissioner and his members for making this participation happen.

He emphasized that the importance of collaboration is vital for capacity building to deal with emerging crimes in today's policing approaches.

Commissioner CPLT Mr. Liu Shenghuang said nn behalf of the Ministry of Public Security of the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the CPLT, I would like to extend a warm welcome to our heroes from the Solomon Islands (SI) and express our sincere congratulations on your remarkable achievement in the global SWAT Challenge.

Commissioner Liu said RSIPF’s inaugural participation in the Dubai world SWAT Challenge not only represented SI but also the wider Pacific Islands region on the global stage.

“Your outstanding performance and historic accomplishment are a great source of pride for SI and all Pacific Island Countries. This milestone is yet another significant achievement in China-SI police cooperation and a vivid reflection of the deep and enduring friendship between our two nations,” said Mr. Liu.

He said we will continue to support the RSIPF in further strengthening its SWAT capabilities and stand ready to work hand in hand with our RSIPF colleagues to take this partnership to even greater heights.

Permanent Secretary of the MPNCS Ms. Karen Galokale said, "On behalf of the Honourable Minister for the MPNCS and on behalf of the Solomon Islands Government, we warmly welcome our brave officers of the RSIPF SWAT Team."

PS Galokale said you have returned from proudly representing the Solomon Islands and the RSIPF at the prestigious UAE SWAT Challenge 2026. This is truly a historic milestone for our country. For the first time in our nation’s history, the RSIPF fielded a SWAT team to compete on the global stage in one of the world’s most demanding and respected tactical competitions.

“Your participation alone marks a significant achievement—not only for the RSIPF, but for the Solomon Islands as a whole. The UAE SWAT challenge brings together elite tactical units from around the world, teams that represent some of the most advanced and experienced law enforcement agencies globally,” said Galokale.

She said to stand among them, to compete alongside them, and to demonstrate your

professionalism, discipline, and capability is a testament to your dedication, training, and resilience.

You carried our flag with pride. You upheld the reputation of our police force. You demonstrated that even as a small nation, we are capable of competing with confidence on the international stage.

“Your participation reflects the progress and transformation of the RSIPF in professionalism, operational readiness, and international engagement. More importantly, it inspires confidence in our people that their security services continue to grow stronger, more capable, and more connected to global best practice,” PS Galokale said.