IGP Egbetokun Announces Establishment of SIS , Discloses Plans To Withdraw Cops Providing Security For VIPs

Acting Inspector General of Police, Mr. Olukayode Egbetokun, has disclosed plans to withdraw Police Mobile Force personnel that are providing security for the VIPs, they will be replaced by officers from the Special Protection Unit ‘only where necessary’.

Team@orientactualmags.com learned that he has also announced the  establishment of Special Intervention Squad that  would comprise 40,000 highly trained police officers including selected officers from the Police Mobile Force.

This was  according to him done to allow the police to take back its place in the ‘internal security architecture’ of the country.

Egbetokun said this during the meeting held with Squadron leaders and Tactical Commanders in Abuja on Monday.

‘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.

This special squad shall consist of 40,000 specially trained elite officers. The Squad will comprise officers from the pool of existing Police Mobile Force personnel and all tactical units in the country.

These officers will undergo an intensive pre-deployment training to make them combat-ready for frontline operational duties in all the states of the Federation, with a particular focus on areas plagued with unrest and turmoil.

By pooling together the expertise and experience of our PMF personnel and other tactical units, we can establish a formidable force that is well-equipped to handle the evolving challenges we face’ he said.

Egbetokun  added that the establishment of the SIS would help the police to promptly respond to security threats, noting that 1,000 personnel would be deployed to every state.

‘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. 1,000 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’ he added.

The police chief also said the SIS would be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to combat evolving criminal activities, insurgency, and other security threats, especially the activities of non-state actors.

Egbetokun  added that the withdrawn PMF officers will be replaced by officers from the Special Protection Unit.

‘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 from the Special Protection Unit only where necessary’ he said.

A special committee that will assess and advise on how the strategy could be implemented seamlessly has been set up and it is headed by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (Operations).

The committee has been asked to submit its report next month-Team@orientactualmags.com Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08059100286, 09094171980. Thank you