The Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, has initiated the Special Intervention Squad in the Federal Capital Territory to tackle kidnappings and banditry, particularly in border areas within the territory. This squad will focus on patrolling and securing communities along the FCT’s borders, intervening to counteract and mitigate violent attacks in the nation’s capital.
The Nigeria Police Force, in late 2023, announced plans to deploy 40,000 operatives of the Special Intervention Squad undergoing training, starting with Katsina and nine other states, including the FCT. The proposed commanders will receive training in Mexico, with the deployment serving as a pilot for the SIS activities.
The Special Intervention Squad, established by the Inspector-General, aims to provide a standby team of specially trained officers capable of rapid intervention during significant security incidents. The initiative aligns with the administration’s commitment to combating violent crime in the country.
The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, clarified that the SIS would not operate similarly to the disbanded Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad known for human rights abuses. Adejobi emphasized that SIS operatives, drawn from the Police Mobile Force and others, would not be engaged in escort duties. The squad’s commanders will operate under the command of Commissioners of Police in their respective states.
The ongoing training and development of the Special Intervention Squad reflect the commitment to thorough preparation before deployment. The SIS is designed to address specific security challenges and provide swift intervention without engaging in activities associated with previous units like SARS.
