Tuesday, February 25, 2025
HomeOpinionSpecial Intervention Squad; Egbetokun Strong-Willed

Special Intervention Squad; Egbetokun Strong-Willed

By Adewole Kehinde

“We must remember that one determined person can make a significant difference and that a small group of determined people can change the course of history.” Sonia Johnson

On August 13, 2023, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, announced plans to establish a Special Intervention Squad (SIS) to deal with security threats in the country.

IGP Egbetokun disclosed this when he led the police force management team on a courtesy call to Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State at Government House.

On December 29, 2023, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, set up a Special Intervention Squad, which commences work immediately in Plateau State, while on January 17, 2024, he inaugurated a Special Intervention Squad in FCT.

Egbetokun said that the Special Intervention Squad (SIS) is aimed at intervening quickly in crises.

“Where there is a crisis or violent crime in Nigeria, we have a dedicated squad that can easily be deployed to take care of those challenges,” he said.

“The special squad will be specially trained, and we will specially equip them with modern working facilities. We will kit them properly, and we will remunerate them especially. They will be so motivated to do their job,” he said.

In keeping with the training aspect of his brief, on Monday, December 18, 2023, the representatives from the United States Government’s INL at the IGP’s Conference Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja, joined IGP Kayode Egbetokun in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The MoU focuses on the operationalization of the Special Intervention Squad, a joint initiative aimed at strengthening the capacity of the Nigerian Police Force to address emerging security challenges.

The IGP emphasised the importance of international partnerships in addressing transnational crime and ensuring the overall safety and security of the nation.

On January 29, 2024, IGP Egbetokun inaugurated the training programme for commanders of the Special Intervention Squad in a strategic collaboration with the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) of the United States of America.
The purpose of the specialised training is to get the trainees ready for the difficulties that come with their new role as commanders in the fight against terrorism, armed robbery, banditry, kidnapping, and other growing criminal issues that face the country.

I recall that the Force PRO, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, reeled out the successes of the FCT-SIS with the arrest of a total of one hundred and thirty-nine kidnapping and armed robbery suspects, the recovery of three GPR chargers, two AK-47 rifles, one Type-06, four locally fabricated guns, one Berretta pistol, two Makarov pistols, four locally fabricated pump action guns, five hundred and four pieces of AK-47 ammunition, and one hundred pieces of AA ammunition, as well as the rescue of one hundred and fifty-four kidnapped victims unhurt.

One of the accomplishments listed above was the interception of three significant arms and ammunition suppliers to bandits operating in the states of Niger, Zamfara, and Kaduna along the Abuja-Kaduna motorway.

On Friday, January 26, 2024, members of the squad battled armed robbers in a vicious gunfight within the FCT-Kaduna axis. As a result, three of the bandits, including their commander, Mai-Gemu, also known as Gadoro, were neutralised.

The IGP further reiterated that the exercise is the first step in the training phase, as he expects the training of the men to commence after the programme.

“It is the expectation of the Force that the officers being presented for this training will take full advantage of the training, firstly for their personal development and secondly for their success in their assignments, by being impactful on the field so as to attain the goals of the squad, Egbetokun said.

At the end of this special training programme, I expect that the commanders will have gained comprehensive knowledge and understanding of security best practices.

I hope that the facilitators will equip them with the necessary skills to identify and mitigate security risks, respond to emergencies, and protect assets and individuals in various settings.

Additionally, participants are expected to demonstrate a commitment to upholding ethical standards and professionalism in their roles.

It is also important for them to stay updated on evolving security threats and adapt their approaches accordingly.

Overall, my expectation is for commanders to be well-prepared and confident in their ability to contribute to a secure and safe environment.

In conclusion, I would like to call on Tinubu’s administration to fund the police adequately. He should cut luxuries and waste and redirect resources to funding and equipping the police.

I do not doubt that IGP Kayode Egbetokun will match action with his words of giving Nigerians a “professionally competent, service-driven, rule-of-law compliant, citizen-friendly police force that will support the agenda of the government in economic recovery and growth as well as social integration and political development of Nigeria.”.

 

 

Adewole Kehinde is the publisher of Swift Reporters and can be reached at 08166240846. E-mail: kennyadewole@gmail.com

RELATED ARTICLES
- Advertisment -spot_img

Most Popular

Recent Comments