The Nigeria Police Force has established a Special Operation Squad that will immediately begin operations in Plateau State as part of an intervention to tackle security challenges in the region.
On Friday, Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, revealed this information during a condolence visit to the governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, at the Government House in Jos.
The police chief emphasized that, as a part of security strategies to counter the frequent attacks, a tactical unit would also be dispatched to the state.
“More deployment of our tactical unit will be made. We are deploying our tactical unit to assist you; we are deploying our intelligence unit. When you see the IGP visiting with DIG operations and DIG intelligence accompanied by the DIG of the zone, you should know that we mean business.
“A special operation will commence immediately on the plateau. This special operation will form the nucleus of our special intervention squad, the last time I visited you, I told you about our intention to set up a special intervention squad in ten pilot states in Nigeria and Plateau State is one.”
“So with this special operation that is commencing today, we are technically flagging off the commencement of the operation of our special intervention squad,” IGP Egbetokun said.
He urged the residents of the state to collaborate in the battle against criminals, emphasizing that it is a collective effort requiring the contribution of each individual to attain victory.
“With the cooperation of the people of Plateau, a solution is in sight. I want to appeal to the people of Plateau to cooperate with the security agencies, support them with information, and actively take part.”
“These criminals have declared war on our state and we are all going to join hands together to fight this war. We should not see this war as a war against the Fulanis, we should not see it as a war against any tribe in Nigeria, it is a war against the criminals; it is a war against enemies of our country,” he said
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) is in Plateau state to assess the security situation and ensure the safeguarding of areas particularly affected by recent attacks.
The assault by assailants on Bokkos and its surrounding regions in Plateau State on Christmas Eve resulted in over 190 fatalities, numerous injuries, and extensive destruction of buildings and properties.
The attacks, originating in the Bokkos area, spilled over into the neighboring Barkin Ladi.
Prior to the IGP’s visit on Friday, another community in the same Bokkos Local Government area was subjected to an attack on Thursday night.
It was reported that the assailants targeted the community during the night, setting fire to and destroying homes, though no fatalities were reported.