KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- About 40 Afghan police officers graduated from a police academy in Afghanistan's southern province of Kandahar on Thursday, an official said.

"The newly graduates will join Afghan National Police ranks in southwestern region to help ensure law and order and will serve their country," Lt. Col. Ghulam Rasoul Asik told a graduation ceremony held here.

The professional graduated officers would help their war-weary countrymen to live in a secure and peaceful environment, he noted.

The Afghan national police have a key role in providing security across Afghanistan as Taliban militants and other insurgents frequently attack big cities and districts from time to time.