Kidnapping: IGP sets up special squad, deploys battle-ready officers to hotspots

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Wednesday launched the Special Intervention Squad with the sole responsibility of going after marauding bandits terrorising the nation’s capital.

The top cop also ordered battle-ready officers of the force to comb some hotspots being used as hideouts by the bandits in some satellite areas of the Federal Capital Territory.

This development, according to Egbetokun, was part of the strategies to curb activities of kidnappers and bandits, especially in border towns within the territory that have made lives unbearable for residents.

Daily Trust reports that the squad would be in charge of patrolling and securing the communities within the various borders of the FCT, and intervening to curb and mitigate violent attacks in the FCT.

The Nigeria Police Force had in late 2023 revealed that deployment of 40,000 operatives of the Special Intervention Squad who were undergoing training would begin with Katsina and nine other states including the FCT.

The Force Headquarters also revealed that the proposed commanders that will be in charge of the squad will be trained in Mexico while noting that the deployment to the 10 carefully selected states is to pilot the activities of the SIS.

Speaking during the launching at Force Headquarters, Abuja, Egbetokun said the FCT remains a bastion of safety and an example of efficient urban security management, adding that police must proactively address even the slightest signs of potential threats.

He said, “As I stand before you today, I am imbued with a profound sense of duty as we confront the crisis of kidnappings and violent crimes presently afflicting our esteemed nation, particularly in and around the Federal Capital Territory.

“The alarming rise in these criminal activities without equivocation, demands immediate and resolute action from us all. It is thus with a determined spirit that I proudly announce the inauguration of the Special Intervention Squad (SIS).

“Conceived as an elite unit of the Nigeria Police Force, the SIS composed of specially trained, well-equipped and highly mobile police officers, and possesses the capacity for rapid intervention and effective containment of significant security breaches, such as those currently threatening the suburb of the FCT and creating panic generally.

“This initiative is not just born out of necessity, but out of foresight, diligent planning and commitment to enhancing the already robust security architecture of our nation’s capital.

“The FCT remains a bastion of safety and an example of efficient urban security management. However, in our pursuit of excellence, we must proactively address even the slightest signs of potential threats. We are thus duty-bound to confront all challenges head-on to protect the lives and welfare of our citizens.

“Envisioned to include a thousand personnel in each state, the SIS is launched today with officers and men from each tactical unit of the Force, supplemented by a formidable arsenal of operational assets, including sophisticated arms, drones, and vehicles.

“These assets, some of which are displayed here, are ready for deployment to counteract the security threats. This deployment symbolizes our unwavering commitment to the safety and security of our people, sending a clear message that criminal elements will find no sanctuary within the FCT, and by extension, Nigeria.”

The police boss explained that the operation was more than a mere response, adding that it was a bold strategy aimed at dismantling the criminal networks entrenched in our communities.”