The acting Inspector General of Police, IGP Olukayode Egbetokun, has said officers of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) are being withdrawn from VIP escort/guard duties to join the newly established Special Intervention Squad.
Egbetokun, last week, announced the establishment of the new police squad which would comprise combat ready PMF personnel with effective and enhanced training in crisis de-escalation and violent crimes reduction strategies.
Speaking during a meeting with Squadron leaders, Special Protevtion Unit (SPU), and Tactical Commanders, in Abuja on Monday, he said the withdrawal of the officers was to allow the police take back its place in the “internal security architecture” of the country.
“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 personnel and all tactical units in the country.
“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.
“By pooling together the expertise and experience of our PMF personnel and other tactical units, we can establish a formidable force that is well-equipped to handle the evolving challenges we face.”
The police boss further stated: “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 neutralise high-profile criminals and those terrorising 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 disclosed that, “To this end, a special committee headed by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) in charge of Operations, has been set up to assess and advise on how this strategy can be implemented seamlessly.
“The committee is expected to submit its report in two weeks after which further details will be made available.”