Inspector-General of Police Olukayode Egbetokun has inaugurated the Special Intervention Squad in the Federal Capital Territory with the aim of addressing the activities of kidnappers and bandits, particularly in border towns within the territory.
Our sources indicate that the squad will take charge of patrolling and securing communities along the various borders of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Their role will involve intervening to prevent and mitigate violent attacks in the nation’s capital.
In late 2023, the Nigeria Police Force disclosed plans to deploy 40,000 operatives of the Special Intervention Squad undergoing training, starting with Katsina and nine other states, including the FCT. The Force Headquarters also revealed that the proposed commanders for the squad would receive training in Mexico. The deployment to the 10 selected states is a pilot initiative for the Special Intervention Squad.
Upon assuming office in June, Egbetokun announced the establishment of the Special Intervention Squad as a flagship project of his administration.
He emphasized that the SIS would consist of a standby team of specially trained officers ready to quickly respond to significant security incidents. This initiative is a crucial aspect of his administration’s commitment to addressing the country’s threat of violent crime.
During a recent event in Owerri, the Imo State capital, the Inspector-General stated that the other 27 states would follow the 10 pilot states, selected based on a recent assessment of violent crime conducted across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
In an exclusive interview with newsmen, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, emphasized that the Special Intervention Squad would not function similarly to the now-defunct Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad, notorious for human rights abuses.
The Force spokesperson further disclosed that SIS operatives, recruited from the Police Mobile Force and other units, would refrain from engaging in escort duties. Additionally, he clarified that the squad commanders would operate under the command of Commissioners of Police in their respective states.
Adejobi said, “The training of the Special Intervention Squad is still on, and the Inspector General of Police has organized training for the SIS Commanders, in a train-the-trainer course. One is ongoing, and another one will come up in Mexico, and the IG has given approval for that.
“We actually want to have enough training before deployment commences, but we are starting very soon with 10 states, while we then move state by state. We have picked some Commanders and instructors to train them, and those are the people who’ll be going to Mexico for training. And the IG gas got some equipment for the SIS to start operations.
“But we need to clarify that the SIS is not SARS. People have been asking questions whether or not it’ll operat like SARS? No. The SIS are basically operational men, it is majorly Police Mobile Force operatives, CTU operatives, and our tactical squad operatives that’ll come together under the command of a very senior police officer, either an ACP or a CSP that’ll be the commander in each state, and they’re not going to be doing stop and search work or pursuing ‘Yahoo Boys,” they’re specifically for intervention purposes.
“It is only CPs that will call on the commanders to move their men to certain places for intervention. It’s not that a commander would say, oh, these people can pay me well, you guys should move there. That’s not what it’s all about.
“The SIS is a very different squad, and the Standard Operating Procedures and Rules of Engagement are also different, and we are starting very soon. I can confirm that the IG added Katsina State amongst the 10 States, as the Katsina State Governor met with the IG, and also donated some vehicles for the SIS.”
In June, reports state that, subsequent to establishing the 40,000-man Special Intervention Squad, Egbetokun announced a plan to withdraw Police Mobile Force personnel from VIP escort/guard duties. During a meeting with Squadron leaders and Tactical Commanders at the Force Headquarters, Egbetokun stated that this move aimed to allow the police to reclaim its role within the country’s ‘internal security architecture.’
However, to address any misconceptions regarding the Inspector-General’s directive on the proposed withdrawal of the Police Mobile Force from specialized escort and services for VIPs, Adejobi clarified. He emphasized that the NPF did not intend to deprive VIPs, who are legally and statutorily entitled to police escorts, of their security details. He highlighted that such an action would be unsafe and counterproductive.
He said, “Get the message right: We understand that there has been some misunderstanding regarding the directive of IGP Olukayode Egbetokun about withdrawing members of the Police Mobile Force Unit from Specialized Escort and Services for VIPs. It’s crucial to provide clarifications to address this.
“First and foremost, let us be clear: at no point did the Force intend to strip VIPs (who are legally and statutorily entitled to Police escorts) of their security details. Doing so would be unsafe and counterproductive. Instead, the objective is to reassign the withdrawn PMF personnel to the recently established Special Intervention Squad (SIS).
“For those who genuinely require specialized police escorts, this vital service will continue to be provided by other units of the Force, such as the Special Protection Unit (SPU). However, individuals who do not fall within and enjoy the legal framework for such security details would strictly be screened and their applications thoroughly assessed for consideration, if necessary.
“To eliminate any misunderstandings, it’s crucial to clarify that the withdrawal of Police Mobile Force personnel does not equate to a blanket ban on all Police Officers from providing VIP escort services. This withdrawal pertains specifically to PMF personnel, who are just one unit within the broader Police Force.
“We encourage everyone to read the full contents of our press statements rather than giving headlines whimsical meanings and spreading distorted information. For a comprehensive understanding of this matter, we strongly recommend referring to our press releases dated June 29, 2023, July 10, 2023, and July 24, 2023. These statements provide a clear and accurate perspective on this directive.”