Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Olukayode Egbetokun said 40,000 specially trained elite officers will be deployed to the newly created Nigerian Police Special Intervention Squad.
Egbetokun said this Monday in Abuja at a conference with commanders of the Police Mobile Force (PMF), the Special Protection Unit (SPU) and other tactical units.
He said the squad would be made up of officers selected from the existing staff pool of PMF and other tactical units.
According to him, the officers will undergo intensive pre-deployment training to make them combat-ready for front-line operational tasks in all states of the federation.
He said the squad would be deployed to areas plagued by riots and unrest in the country.
“By pooling the knowledge and experience of our PMF personnel and other tactical units, we can establish a formidable force that is well-equipped to handle the changing challenges we face.
“This dedicated force will bolster our ability to respond quickly and decisively to security threats, ensuring that our presence is felt and our response is effective in every corner of our country,” the IGP said.
Mr. Egbetokun explained that 1,000 members of the new squad would be deployed in each state as reserve intervention units.
The IGP added that the remaining members of the squad would be deployed to more problematic areas.
According to him, the officers will not perform routine policing tasks, but will be housed and combat ready at all times, only participating in daily training to be ready for deployment.
He said the idea was to prepare officers to intercept and neutralize high-profile criminals who terrorize communities.
“They will be deployed to intervene quickly and proactively in any necessary situation in their destination states.
“All tactical commanders will participate in the process of identifying suitable candidates within their respective units.
“These individuals must possess the necessary skills, agility, experience, character and commitment to excel in the challenging and demanding environments they will encounter,” he said.
Mr. Egbetokun assured that the new special squad would be equipped with knowledge and skills to combat evolving crimes, including insurgency and other security threats.
(YAYA)