The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has directed the deployment of a special squad to address the rising wave of insecurity across several states in Nigeria.
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This directive, which was issued on Tuesday, comes as violent attacks and criminal activities continue to threaten lives in regions including Plateau, Benue, and Enugu. The move is part of renewed efforts to strengthen the Nigeria Police Force’s capacity to respond swiftly to threats nationwide.
As part of the new security measures, all Police Mobile Force (PMF) squadrons have been instructed to maintain fully equipped and combat-ready teams at all times. These teams will be on standby to provide immediate tactical support to state commands when required.
To enhance professionalism and efficiency, Egbetokun also ordered that each PMF squadron send one unit for training every quarter. The training will cover operational skills, ethical conduct, professionalism, and responsible policing.
The IGP further announced a review of the size of PMF squadrons, aimed at improving their operational agility. Commanders will now be held directly accountable for the behavior of their personnel. In addition to regular inspections, commanders are expected to lead with discipline and organize local training sessions to promote respect for human rights and excellence in operations.
Reiterating an earlier policy, the police chief emphasized that mobile police officers would no longer be assigned to non-core duties such as personal escorts. He noted that such tasks had diminished the tactical impact of the PMF. Any acts of indiscipline among officers, he warned, would be met with strict sanctions.
Egbetokun reaffirmed his commitment to restoring the PMF’s stature as a frontline force in internal security. The force is set to benefit from new leadership strategies, improved training, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at confronting insurgency and violent crimes with integrity and courage.
