At home, on the streets, at work, in commercial establishments, and in both the public and private sectors, the security crisis is undeniably one of the most significant issues facing our country.
In confronting the worsening security situation in the country, Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, on 17th January 2024, inaugurated the Special Intervention Squad.
IGP Egbetokun, while presenting the SIS, said that public safety is a collaborative endeavour, and law enforcement and security of lives and property to place order in any society is no light task.
Egbetokun added that the forces of good are consistently being confronted by the forces of evil, under various guises, but the Nigerian police are undaunted.
“And as duty drums daily beats, we embrace our tasks with resilience, doing violence on behalf of the good people of our dear country, crushing crime,” he said.
“While we press on, we enjoin all and sundry to choose the path of peace and eschew violence, acknowledging that public safety is a collaborative endeavour.”
During a meeting with the Squadron, SPU, and Tactical Commanders in Abuja, he said, “The squad will be formed by selecting officers from the pool of existing Police Mobile Force (PMF) personnel and all tactical units in the country.
“These officers will undergo 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 well-equipped to handle the evolving challenges we face.
“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.
“One thousand 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 in readiness for deployments to intercept and neutralise high-profile criminals and those terrorising our communities.
“They will be deployed to intervene rapidly and proactively in any situation necessary in their states of assignment.
All tactical commanders will be involved in identifying suitable candidates from within their respective units.
“These individuals should possess the necessary skills, agility, experience, character, and commitment to excel in the challenging and demanding environments they will encounter.
“The new special squad will 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.
“We will henceforth be more proactive and be ready to take the fight to the criminals’ den.
“Furthermore, to optimise the efficiency of our resources, we shall carry out a re-evaluation of the responsibilities assigned to the PMF. Specifically, 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 concerns that affect our at large.
“To this end, a special committee headed by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (Operations) has been set up to assess and advise on how this strategy can be implemented seamlessly.
“The committee is expected to submit its report in two weeks, after which further details will be available. Our goal should be to enforce the law and to be partners in creating safe communities, nurturing an environment where everyone feels protected and valued.
“This is our commitment to Nigerians. To support the foregoing strategic plan and make needed manpower available for frontline duties, the withdrawn PMF officers will be replaced by officers of the Special Protection Unit (SPU) only where necessary.
“To ensure the smooth implementation of this policy, we will, in consultation with the Police Service Commission, invoke the supernumerary provision of Sections 23, 24, and 25 of the Police Act 2020, which allows the police to train supernumerary officers specifically for the personal protection duties of individual Nigerians who require their services.
‘We will make details of this available in the weeks and months ahead while ensuring the policy is implemented strictly in accordance with best practices.
“This will free up regular police officers to focus more on frontline policing duties across the nation.
“It is important to note that these proposed operational strategies aim to foster a sense of trust, cooperation, and confidence within the police force. By involving personnel from various tactical units across the country, we emphasise the unity and collective responsibility of our force.
“Through this collaborative effort, we can ensure that no area is left unattended, and all states receive the necessary support to combat crime effectively.
“These strategies will require extra support, will, and resources from the government. I am gladdened by the commitment of the government to support our efforts to restore enduring peace to every community in Nigeria.
“At this point, I would like to thank Mr President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his passion for police welfare, support, and commitment to repositioning the police force for effectively delivering our constitutional mandates.
“The proposed operational strategies presented today seek to optimise our resources, enhance our capabilities, and reinforce our commitment to public safety.
“By creating a new special squad from our existing pool of PMF officers, withdrawing PMF from VIP escort duties, upscaling the role of SPU, and including supernumerary officers in VIP security, we can strengthen the effectiveness of our police force and ensure a safer environment for all citizens, Egbetokun said.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, immediately inaugurated a training program for commanders of the Special Intervention Squad.
The inauguration was done in partnership with the United States Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.
Speaking during the inauguration held at the Peacekeeping Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja, on Monday, the IG said the program is designed to prepare the trainees for the challenges associated with their new responsibility of taking up the lead positions in combating the scourge of kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery, and terrorism, amongst others.
He further noted that the SIS would serve as an elite unit of the Nigeria Police Force, and it was designed to anticipate, respond spontaneously, and manage crises.
Egbetokun said, “It is with a profound sense of duty that I stand before you today at the inauguration of the training program for Commanders of the Special Intervention Squad.
“The program is designed to prepare the trainees for the challenges associated with their new responsibility of taking up the lead positions in combating the scourge of kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery, terrorism, and other evolving challenges of crime confronting our society.
“Without mincing words, our country, like many other parts of the globe, is experiencing security challenges arising from the activities of the criminal elements seeking to undermine the peace and security of our nation. This development demands an instant and appropriate response from us as the lead agency in the internal security architecture of the country.
“The situation at hand has challenged our ingenuity such that beyond the conventional reactive response approach to crime management, we conceived the idea of the Special Intervention Squad, to serve as an elite unit of the Force, designed to anticipate, respond spontaneously, and manage a crisis.
“The Squad was primarily established to confront every situation that threatens the peace of the citizenry and restore law and order across the nation. The initiative is pivotal to safeguarding the lives and property of all Nigerians while guaranteeing the supremacy of the state and the rule of law, thus protecting the integrity of our nation.”
He further noted that the conception of the SIS and the mobilisation of officers and men require that they be given specialised training to enable them to imbibe new skills and orientation, which will adequately prepare them for the task ahead.
Egbetokun added, “The Force in this drive found a willing and dependable ally in the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, an agency of the United States of America’s government, which volunteered to train the officers of the SIS.
“A major leap towards achieving this was achieved with the formal signing, on Monday, December 18, 2023, of the Memorandum of Understanding, between the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Government of the United States of America.
“The event today, therefore, is a major milestone towards the full operationalisation of the SIS across the length and breadth of our country. As you are all aware, on January 17, 2024, I formally launched the squad in FCT. Operatives of the squad have since commenced intensive operations, reinvigorating the offensive against criminal elements by taking the battle to their hideouts.
“The FCT-SIS within the period has immensely boosted the security architecture and significantly decimated the camp of the criminal elements by arresting a total of 139 kidnapping and armed robbery suspects, recovering three GPR chargers, two AK-47 rifles, one Type-06, four locally fabricated guns, one Beretta pistol, two Makarov pistols, four locally fabricated pump-action guns, and 504 pieces of AK-47 ammunition, 100 pieces of AA ammunition, as well as the rescue of 154 kidnapped victims unhurt.
“Among the successes enumerated above was the interception along the Abuja-Kaduna motorway of three major suppliers of arms and ammunition to bandits operating in Niger, Zamfara, and Kaduna States.
“Similarly, operatives of the squad on Friday, January 26, 2024, engaged some armed bandits within the FCT-Kaduna axis in a fierce gun battle during which three of them, including their gang leader, one Mai-Gemu (aka Gadoro), were neutralised.
“The successes recorded so far aptly testify to the triumph of willpower over adversities. We are commencing the training today with a total of thirty-eight officers who were diligently selected to be the precursors of this crucial endeavour based on their competence, integrity, track record, demonstrated commitment to the cause of justice, and suitability for the assignment.
“They will assume the roles of commanders of the squad across the states. This is the first step in the training phase, as we expect the training of the men to commence after this particular program. The Force expects that the officers being presented for this training will take full advantage of the training, firstly, for their personal development and, secondly, for success in their assignment by being impactful on the field to attain the goals of the squad.
“The event today, therefore, is a major milestone towards the full operationalisation of the SIS across the length and breadth of our country. As you are all aware, on January 17, 2024, I formally launched the squad in FCT. Operatives of the squad have since commenced intensive operations, reinvigorating the offensive against criminal elements by taking the battle to their hideouts.
“The FCT-SIS within the period has immensely boosted the security architecture and significantly decimated the camp of the criminal elements by arresting a total of 139 kidnapping and armed robbery suspects, recovering three GPR chargers, two AK-47 rifles, one Type-06, four locally fabricated guns, one Beretta pistol, two Makarov pistols, four locally fabricated pump-action guns, and 504 pieces of AK-47 ammunition, 100 pieces of AA ammunition, as well as the rescue of 154 kidnapped victims unhurt.
“Among the successes enumerated above was the interception along the Abuja-Kaduna motorway of three major suppliers of arms and ammunition to bandits operating in Niger, Zamfara, and Kaduna States.
“Similarly, operatives of the squad on Friday, January 26, 2024, engaged some armed bandits within the FCT-Kaduna axis in a fierce gun battle during which three of them, including their gang leader, one Mai-Gemu (aka Gadoro), were neutralised.
“The successes recorded so far aptly testify to the triumph of willpower over adversities. We are commencing the training today with a total of thirty-eight officers who were diligently selected to be the precursors of this crucial endeavour based on their competence, integrity, track record, demonstrated commitment to the cause of justice, and suitability for the assignment.
“They will assume the roles of commanders of the squad across the states. This is the first step in the training phase, as we expect the training of the men to commence after this particular program. The Force expects that the officers being presented for this training will take full advantage of the training, firstly, for their personal development and, secondly, for success in their assignment by being impactful on the field to attain the goals of the squad.
Also, on 30th October 2024, the Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, launched the Schools Protection Squad in Anambra State to ensure security in educational institutions of all cadres in the state.
The squad is a creation of the Inspector General of Police, which is coordinated by CP Ogunlowo as a way to secure schools and also reduce the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria.
The Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 13, Ukpo, AIG Godwin Aghaulor, who represented Egbetokun during a stakeholders forum on the security of schools in Anambra State on Wednesday, said the forum offers promising steps and measures geared towards prioritising and improving security in and around schools and learning institutions in Anambra State.
He said, “Our presence here today is a testament to our collective will and effort to support the IGP and the Nigeria Police Force in promoting the federal government agenda of prioritising school protection in Nigeria, as this is one of the many strategic forums on school protection that has been initiated and is ongoing in many parts of the country.
“The safety and security of our educational institutions are paramount, and it is imperative that we work together to protect and safeguard our students and educators. Collaboration and integration between host communities and security agencies play a significant role in fostering secure and harmonious coexistence.
“Nigeria Police Force has also embraced the project by establishing the Schools Protection Squad (SPS) in all the States of the Federation and the FCT, as well as the training of State Coordinators and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) nationwide.”
The forum had the theme: Strengthening Security Resilience and Integration of Host Communities in the Protection of Education and featured a paper presentation from Prof. Chidozie Nwafor, Head of Department in the Department of Psychology at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, said to address this challenge of insecurity in schools, the command adopted a multi-faceted approach.
He listed the approaches that include conducting regular security assessments and developing emergency response plans, enhancing access control and surveillance systems, collaborating with law enforcement agencies, and training educators and staff on security protocols.
Anambra State Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachi Ibezim, commended the IG for housing the state as one of the pioneer states for the launch of the School Protection Squad. He said the governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, is working hard to ensure security and a beautiful education system in the state.
On 26th Nov 2024, the school protection squad was unveiled in Ogun State. According to the Ogun State Police Command’s spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, the initiative was inaugurated during a two-day event themed “Capacity Building for Security Agencies and Other Stakeholders.”
The event provided stakeholders with detailed insights into the measures the Nigeria Police Force has put in place to secure schools across the state.
The program was designed to enlighten stakeholders about school safety and the proactive steps taken by the Nigeria Police Force to ensure every school in Ogun State is well protected. These include rapid response deployment, vehicular patrols, and orientation sessions on safer security practices for students, principals, and school partners.
Sister security agencies, government bodies, traditional rulers, and representatives from the private sector were present, lending their support to the grand opening ceremony.
On 4th September 2024, the IGP launched a school protection squad in Abuja. The Inspector General of Police, IGP Egbetokun, represented by the former Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of operations, DIG Ede Ayuba, said the Nigeria Police Force is ever committed to preventing attacks on schools across the country, hence the establishment of SPS by the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, in all states of the Federation and FCT to complement the efforts of the Federal government’s desire to achieve a safer and secure school environment in Nigeria.
He said, “Today’s program is a follow-up to similar events held in Kaduna and Niger states, respectively, on 8th–9th and 14th–15th May 2024, which witnessed massive participation and were equally successful. I do not doubt that we will achieve more participation of relevant stakeholders in the FCT, being the federal capital of Nigeria.
“The forum is, amongst other things, geared towards fostering effective partnership between the Nigeria Police, sister security agencies, and other relevant stakeholders in preventing attacks on schools. It is expected that at the end of it, participants, especially the host communities, will have a better understanding of their roles in safeguarding schools for a secure and effective learning environment for our children.
“May I, at this juncture, add that the federal government makes it a top priority to protect schools through the Safe Schools project and secure a learning environment for national development? In the same vein, the Nigeria Police Force embraced the project by establishing the Schools Protection Squad (SPS) in all the states of the federation and the FCT, as well as training state coordinators and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) nationwide. The Force is also undertaking a series of activities in line with Safe Schools’ national plan to guarantee a safer learning environment.
“The inclusion of critical stakeholders such as the host communities, community/religious leaders, youth organisations, CSOs, sister security agencies, and the FCT Administration is the realisation of the important role they play in safeguarding our schools and the reduction of out-of-school children in the FCT and the nation at large.
“The police recognise the invaluable contribution of host communities in schools’ protection, hence the need for their support. It is on this premise that I solicit the continuous support and cooperation of all to effectively collaborate and prevent attacks on our schools. The two-day interactive and all-inclusive program will ensure effective partnership for community resilience to protect our schools.”
On 11th Dec 2024, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun launched the Schools Protection Squad (SPS) in Plateau State as part of its efforts to tackle growing security challenges in educational institutions.
Speaking at a two-day stakeholders’ forum in Jos, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun revealed that the initiative aimed to create safer learning environments for students and teachers.
Represented by AIG Adebowale Williams, Commandant of the Police Staff College, he emphasised that the initiative was not just about protecting schools but fostering trust and resilience within communities.
“This is not merely about securing schools but about building a culture of safety and cooperation within communities. The safety of our children is not only a security measure but also a moral and national priority.
“We must all come together—security agencies, state governments, and local communities—to create a safe and supportive environment for our students,” AIG Williams stated.
The forum, themed “Strengthening Security Resilience and Integration of Host Communities in the Protection of Education, brought together representatives from security agencies, government officials, and community leaders to discuss actionable solutions for safeguarding schools.
In his remarks, Plateau State Commissioner of Police Olugbemiga Emmanuel Adesina highlighted the collaborative efforts between the state government, local communities, and the Nigeria Police Force to enhance security resilience in schools across the region.
He commended Governor Barr. Caleb Mutfwang’s commitment to the Safe School agenda and noted the strategic importance of a unified approach in protecting educational institutions from security threats.
The commissioner stressed the need for ongoing community engagement and regular coordination among all stakeholders to ensure the sustainability of the Schools Protection Squad initiative.
Governor Barr. Caleb Mutfwang expressed his strong commitment to the Safe School Initiative at the forum while declaring the forum open.
Represented by State Secretary to Government Arch. Samuel Jatau, he emphasised the critical role of collaboration among security agencies, government, and communities, particularly the traditional institutions under the leadership of the Gbong Gwom.
He also noted the proactive stance taken by the government to ensure the safety of schools and the effective leadership provided by the state.
Providing a comprehensive background on the Safe School Initiative, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, the National Coordinator for the Schools Protection Squad, outlined the Federal Government’s strategic response to the growing security threats facing educational institutions across Nigeria.
“The Federal Government’s Safe School Declaration and subsequent initiatives underscore a commitment to protect the right to education,” Ogunlowo stated, referencing the signing of the declaration in 2019 alongside 118 other countries.
Ogunlowo also emphasised that these efforts are part of a broader national plan launched in 2023. “Through active collaboration with local and global stakeholders, including the Ministry of Finance and various state and local governments, we developed a comprehensive mid-term national plan on Financing Safe Schools for 2023 to 2026,” he explained.
In his Goodwill message, the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, emphasised the critical role of community engagement in ensuring security.
He noted, “Security remains a critical issue that requires deliberate action and clear responsibility. Those implementing security measures must connect directly with the people, understand their roles, and act decisively.”
Buba also highlighted the importance of empowering traditional institutions, stating that they played a vital role historically in maintaining order and must continue to do so in modern security frameworks.
He called for reforms in the school curriculum to promote discipline and responsibility among students, underlining that fostering these qualities would lead to a safer, more cohesive society.
The Schools Protection Squad is part of the broader Safe School Initiative, a program designed to fortify education security nationwide. Similar forums have been held in states such as Ekiti and Anambra, emphasising a coordinated, community-centred approach to tackling school insecurity.
On 23rd Dec 2024, Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commissioned the Force Insurance Company.
The event was a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing the welfare and security of police personnel and their families.
The establishment of the Force Insurance Company marks a significant step in the NPF’s commitment to the well-being of its members. The newly formed insurance company will provide comprehensive coverage for police officers, offering benefits that include health insurance, life insurance, and various other financial protection plans tailored to meet the specific needs of law enforcement personnel.
Under the leadership of IG Egbetokun, the Nigeria Police Force has reaffirmed its dedication to the welfare of its officers and the enhancement of the country’s security infrastructure.
NPF Insurance Co. Ltd exemplifies the Force’s proactive measures in ensuring the safety and prosperity of its personnel and the public as critical stakeholders in national security.
“The NPF Insurance Co. Ltd is poised to become a pivotal entity in Nigeria’s insurance landscape, offering innovative solutions and exceptional services to meet the evolving needs of all Nigerians,” said IGP Egbetokun.
He commended the Board of Directors, led by its Chairman, AIG Olufemi Adenaike, retd., for their efforts in actualising this vision.
Egbetokun emphasised that this initiative bridges the gap between police welfare and public insurance services, positioning the Nigeria Police Force as a trailblazer in aligning security services with citizens’ financial security.
Aside from the above prominent achievement, other achievements include crime reduction: Under his leadership, there was a significant reduction in crime rates in some parts of Nigeria. He implemented various strategies to combat criminal activities and improve the safety and security of the citizens.
Community Policing: IGP Egbetokun focused on community policing initiatives to enhance trust and cooperation between the police force and the communities they serve. This approach helps in preventing crime and maintaining peace.
Modernisation of the Police Force: He worked towards modernising the police force by introducing new technologies, equipment, and training programs to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of law enforcement operations.
Welfare of Police Officers: IGP Egbetokun prioritised the welfare of police officers by advocating for better working conditions, training opportunities, and benefits for the personnel under his command.
Professionalism and Integrity: He emphasised the importance of professionalism and integrity within the police force, promoting accountability and ethical conduct among officers.
To address new security threats, IGP Egbetokun has also presented a progressive plan for 2025 that emphasises technological innovation and contemporary policing techniques.
I urge all police personnel to embrace these advancements to enhance their effectiveness.
Overall, IGP Kayode Egbetokun’s two years in office have been marked by efforts to improve the effectiveness, efficiency, and public perception of the Nigerian Police Force.
The Inspector General of Police, IGP Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, gets my Man of the Year 2024 award for the aforementioned accomplishments as well as numerous others that I was unable to document due to time and space constraints.
Adewole Kehinde is the publisher of Swift Reporters. 08166240846. kennyadewole@
