By Festus Fifen

The Acting Inspector General of Police IGP Olukayode Egbetokun on Monday said plans are in final stages to create a 40,000 manpower Police Special Intervenetion Sqaud that will handle civil unrest Across the Country.

Egbetokun who was Speaking during his meeting with Tactical Commanders of the Force which includes commanders of Police Mobile Force (PMF), Special Protection Unit (SPU), and other Tactical Units at the Force Headquarters Abuja said the nation faces numerous challenges that require a proactive and strategic operational approach to surmount.

According to the 22nd indigenous Inspector General of Police the meeting with the commanders became imperative as part of his administrations objective is to assess, discuss and implement crucial operational strategies that will enhance law enforcement capabilities and safeguard the lives and property of Nugeria citizens.

In his words, ” In light of the current challenges, a series of operational strategies have been developed which is aimed at strengthening our capabilities to effectively deliver our mandates.

” Some of these will be discussed in this conference in a bid to kick-start the process of regaining our pride of place in the internal security architecture of our dear country.

” First and foremost, modalities for the creation of a new special squad – the Special Intervention Squad have been initiated. This special squad shall consist of 40,000 specially trained elite officers. The Squad will be formed by selecting officers from the pool of existing Police Mobile Force (PMF) personnel and all tactical units in the country.”

Acting IGP Egbetokun emphasised that these officers will undergo an intensive pre-deployment training to make them combat ready for frontline operational duties in all the states of the Federation, with a particular focus on areas plagued with unrest and turmoil.

He added that by pooling together the expertise and experience of the nation’s PMF personnel and other tactical units, the Nigeria Police Force can establish a formidable force that is well-equipped to handle the evolving challenges of nationhood.

” This dedicated force will bolster our capacity to respond swiftly and decisively to security threats, ensuring that our presence is felt and our response is effective in every corner of our country.

” One thousand personnel from this new squad will be deployed to every state of the Federation for immediate operations as standby intervention units, while more troubled spots or zones will receive the remaining officers out of the 40,000. These officers will not perform routine police duties but will be housed and kept combat-ready at all times engaging in daily trainings in readiness for deployments to intercept and neutralize high-profile criminals and those terrorizing our communities. They will be deployed to intervene rapidly and proactively in any situation necessary in their states of assignment.

” All Tactical Commanders will be involved in the process of identifying suitable candidates from within their respective units. These individuals should possess the necessary skills, agility, experience, character, and commitment to excel in the challenging and demanding environments they will encounter. The new special squad will be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to combat evolving criminal activities, insurgency, and other security threats especially the activities of non-state actors. We will henceforth be more proactive and be ready to take the fight to the criminals’ den.” He noted.

Egbetokun added that in order to optimize the efficiency of the resources, the force shall carry out a re-evaluation of the responsibilities assigned to the PMF. ” Specifically, we shall effect the withdrawal of PMF personnel from VIP escort/guard duties. While the protection of dignitaries remains paramount, it is imperative that we realign our priorities to address the escalating security challenges faced by the nation as a whole.

By relieving the PMF of VIP escort and guard duties, we can redirect their focus and efforts toward addressing critical security concerns that affect our communities at large.

” To support the foregoing strategic plan and make needed manpower available for frontline duties, the withdrawn PMF officers will be replaced by officers of the Special Protection Unit (SPU) only where necessary.”