In a recent development, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has inaugurated a team of 169 officers as part of a newly established Special Intervention Squad. The primary objective of this squad is to address issues such as banditry, kidnapping, and various other criminal activities prevalent in the country.
The inauguration took place during a graduation ceremony held at the Police Mobile Force Training College located in Ende Hills, within the Nassarawa Eggon Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. During the event, the IG emphasized that the creation of the SIS represents a significant advancement in the operational strategy of law enforcement, drawing inspiration from successful global models.
According to Egbetokun, the unit was meticulously designed to address critical gaps in the current police system and will serve as a rapid response mechanism for high-impact interventions.
Expressing his views, Egbetokun stated, “This occasion is a milestone in our continuous efforts to ensure a safer and more secure Nigeria. It is not merely a formality but a testament to our unwavering commitment to enhancing national security and safeguarding the lives of all Nigerian citizens.
“The establishment of the Special Intervention Squad was a result of a clear and urgent vision to tackle the significant challenges facing our nation today – challenges such as kidnapping, banditry, and other violent crimes that have instilled fear and discord across various regions of our nation.
“These officers have undergone intense training to handle complex and high-stakes situations with precision, ensuring their readiness to respond swiftly and decisively in critical scenarios. Their training covered a wide range of subjects, including advanced tactical operations, intelligence gathering, crisis negotiation, and community engagement.”
The IG expressed gratitude to various organizations, including the Embassy of the United States of America in Abuja, the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, the GS Foundation, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, for their significant contributions to the fight against crime in Nigeria.
He further encouraged the 169 graduating officers to approach every challenge with determination, integrity, and a commitment to upholding professional standards.
“As you embark on this crucial national assignment, remember that you carry the hopes and expectations of our nation. Your mission extends beyond fighting crimes to building connections with the communities you serve.
“Our objective is clear: to create a safer Nigeria where every citizen can live, work, and prosper without the fear of crime. With the establishment of the Special Intervention Squad, we are taking a significant step towards achieving this goal. I am confident that this unit will have a positive impact on our nation’s security landscape,” added the IG.
On his part, the Commissioner of Police overseeing the SIS, Lanre Ogunlowo, mentioned that the training of the 169 officers, spanning seven weeks, commenced in Lagos State before concluding at the Ende Hills facility in Nasarawa State.
In her remarks, the Minister of State for Police Affairs, Imman Suleiman, commended the efforts of the IG and his team in maintaining national security. She acknowledged the full support of President Bola Tinubu’s administration towards combating insecurity through the formation of this special squad.
Prior to this, Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, extended a warm welcome to dignitaries from the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and other parts of the country. He applauded the police for establishing the training college at Ende Hills and reiterated his administration’s commitment to providing essential resources to aid in the fight against crime in the state.