Olukayode Egbetokun, the country's acting Inspector General of Police, is making radical changes in the way police operate.
Egbetokun intends to move Police Mobile Force personnel from VIP escort and guard responsibilities to more crucial security placement.
Egbetokun discussed his plans for the Special Intervention Squad during a meeting with Squadron commanders and Tactical Commanders on Monday.
The squad, which is made up of 40,000 highly trained police officers, is intended to improve the police's capacity to respond to security threats across the country.
According to Egbetokun, “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.
The IGP said, “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. 1000 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 training readiness for deployments to intercept and neutralize high-profile criminals and those terrorizing our communities.
“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“To support the foregoing strategic plan and make needed manpower available for frontline duties, the withdrawn PMF officers will be replaced by officers of the Special Protection Unit only where necessary.”
