Acting Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, took his first major official action in response to the activities of non-state actors and other criminal elements plaguing the country. During a meeting with 79 Mobile Police Force (Mopol) Commanders in Abuja, he announced the formation of a special intervention squad comprising 40,000 specially trained elite officers.
The squad will be composed of personnel selected from the existing Police Mobile Force (PMF) and other tactical units nationwide. These officers will undergo rigorous pre-deployment training to ensure their readiness for frontline operational duties, with a specific focus on areas experiencing unrest and turmoil.
Egbetokun emphasized the importance of pooling the expertise and experience of the PMF and other tactical units to establish a formidable force capable of effectively addressing the evolving security challenges faced by the nation. The dedicated squad will enhance the police’s capacity to respond swiftly and decisively to security threats, ensuring their presence is felt and their response is effective across the country.
To facilitate immediate operations, 1,000 personnel from the special intervention squad will be deployed to every state as standby intervention units. The remaining officers will be assigned to troubled spots or zones. Their primary responsibilities will involve intercepting and neutralizing high-profile criminals and ensuring rapid and proactive intervention in their assigned states.
In addition, the IGP announced the withdrawal of PMF officers from VIP security and guard duties. This decision aims to realign their focus and efforts towards addressing the escalating security challenges faced by the nation. A special committee headed by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (Operations) has been established to assess and advise on the seamless implementation of this strategy.
Furthermore, the IGP outlined plans to invoke the Supernumerary provision of the Police Act 2020, in consultation with the Police Service Commission, to train supernumerary officers specifically for the personal protection duties of individuals who require such services. This will free up regular police officers for frontline policing duties, ensuring that manpower is effectively utilized.
The operational strategies introduced by the IGP aim to foster trust, cooperation, and confidence within the Police Force. By involving personnel from various tactical units across the country, unity and collective responsibility are emphasized. Through this collaborative effort, every area will receive necessary support to combat crime effectively, leaving no region unattended.
More details regarding the implementation of these strategies will be provided in due course, demonstrating the commitment of the police force to enforce the law, create safe communities, and protect and value all citizens.
