Kidnapping, banditry: IGP sets up 169 SIS Squared to tackle menace headlong

By David Odama

Concerned by the increase cases of banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities in the country, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun Monday, set up a 169 officers of the newly established Special Intervention Squad to tackle the scourge of kidnapping and banditry in the country.

Addressing the graduands at the graduation of the officers at the Police Mobile Force Training College, Ende Hills in the Nassarawa Eggon Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Egbetokun stated that the squared is a representation of advancement in the force operational strategy, in the best practices of the force successes globally in it’s models operations

The IGP emphasized that the establishment of the unit was meticulously crafted to fill the critical gaps in the police current system, adding that it would provide a robust mechanism for rapid response and high-impact intervention.

The IGP said, “This occasion marks a significant milestone in our unwavering quest for a safer and more secure Nigeria. This event is far from a mere formality; it stands as a powerful testament to our relentless commitment to fortifying national security and protecting the lives of every Nigerian citizen.

“The creation of the Special Intervention Squad was born from a clear and urgent vision: to confront the most formidable challenges that beset our nation today—challenges like kidnapping, banditry, and other violent crimes that have sown discord and fear across various regions of our beloved country.

“These officers have been trained to navigate complex, high-stakes situations with precision, ensuring they are prepared to act swiftly and decisively in scenarios demanding expert attention. This comprehensive training program encompassed a broad spectrum of subjects, including advanced tactical operations, intelligence gathering, crisis negotiation, and community engagement.”

The IGP who was full of gratitude to His Excellency, David Green, Charged d’Affaires of the Embassy of the United States of America, Abuja, as well as officials from the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, other Consular staff, the GS Foundation, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, for their invaluable contributions to the Nigeria Police Force in its fight against all forms of crime in the country.

He further urged the 169 graduating officers to ensure that they approach every challenge with unwavering determination, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to upholding the highest standards of professional conduct.

“To the graduating officers, as you embark on this critical national assignment, remember that you carry the hopes and expectations of an entire nation. Your mission goes beyond merely fighting crime; it includes building bridges with the communities you serve.

“Our goal is clear: to create a safer Nigeria where every citizen can live, work, and thrive free from the fear of crime. With the Special Intervention Squad, we are taking a decisive step towards realising this goal. I am confident that this unit will have a substantial and positive impact on our nation’s security landscape,” the IGP added.

On his part, the Commissioner of Police in charge of the SIS, Lanre Ogunlowo said the training of the 169 personnel which lasted for seven weeks, started in Lagos State and ended at the Ende Hills in Nasarawa State.

Also speaking, the Minister of State for Police Affairs, Imman Suleiman appreciated the IGP and his team for the good work they were doing to keep the country safe, while noting that the President Bola Tinubu’s led-administration was fully in support of the creation of the special squad to fight all forms of insecurity in the country.

In his address, Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule commended the Police for citing the training college in Nasarawa stating his administration s commitment to continue to support the Police with the necessary logistics to tackle crime in the state.

Governor Abdullahi Sule appreciated the IGP for the initiative.

“Let me start by appreciating Mr. President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his believe in Nigeria and continue support to the Nigerian police and indeed all the security agencies that today we witnessing what we are witnessing.

“I thanked God today, police is taking training more seriously because that exactly is the way to go,”  Sule declared