Acting IG Declares Withdrawal Of Police Mobile Force From VIP Duties, Launches Special Intervention Squad

Acting IG Declares Withdrawal Of Police Mobile Force From VIP Duties, Launches Special Intervention Squad

The acting Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, has made a resolute commitment to withdraw Police Mobile Force personnel from VIP escort and guard duties. In line with this decision, he has established the Special Intervention Squad, comprising 40,000 highly trained police officers, including selected personnel from the Police Mobile Force.

Egbetokun emphasized that the purpose of these measures is to restore the police force’s position in the internal security framework of the nation. Speaking during a meeting with Squadron leaders and Tactical Commanders in Abuja, he highlighted the initiation of modalities for the creation of the Special Intervention Squad.

The squad will be comprised of elite officers selected from the existing pool of Police Mobile Force personnel and other tactical units across the country. Rigorous pre-deployment training will be conducted to equip them for frontline operational duties, particularly in areas plagued by unrest and turmoil.

By consolidating the expertise and experience of the Police Mobile Force personnel and other tactical units, Egbetokun aims to establish a formidable force capable of effectively addressing the evolving security challenges faced by the nation.

The establishment of the Special Intervention Squad will enhance the police’s ability to promptly respond to security threats. As part of this initiative, 1,000 personnel from the squad will be deployed to each state as standby intervention units. Additional officers from the remaining 40,000 will be allocated to troubled spots or zones.

Egbetokun clarified that the officers in the squad will not perform routine police duties but will be housed and kept combat-ready at all times through daily training readiness. Their primary objective will be to intercept and neutralize high-profile criminals and those terrorizing communities.

The new special squad will be equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to combat evolving criminal activities, insurgency, and other security threats, particularly those posed by non-state actors.

To facilitate the withdrawal of Police Mobile Force personnel from VIP duties, Egbetokun announced that they will be replaced by officers from the Special Protection Unit. While acknowledging the importance of protecting dignitaries, he emphasized the need to realign priorities to effectively address the escalating security challenges faced by the nation. By relieving the Police Mobile Force of VIP duties, their focus and efforts can be redirected toward critical security concerns affecting communities at large.

To support this strategic plan and ensure sufficient manpower for frontline duties, the withdrawn Police Mobile Force officers will be replaced by officers from the Special Protection Unit where necessary.

A special committee led by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (Operations) has been established to assess and advise on the seamless implementation of this strategy. The committee is expected to submit its report within two weeks.