IGP Olukayode Egbetokun has announced a new directive requiring all police convoys to adhere to traffic regulations. During a meeting with Mobile Police Squadron and commanders at the Force headquarters, the IGP emphasized the importance of law enforcement officers being exemplary in their conduct.
In his address, he stated, “It is essential for those responsible for maintaining peace to embody peace themselves. Those entrusted with upholding the law must respect and obey the laws of the land. Without adherence to these laws, the police lose the moral authority to hold lawbreakers accountable.”
In line with his vision of establishing a police force that upholds the rule of law, the IGP directed that all police convoys engaged in routine, non-emergency movements must now comply with traffic lights and other traffic regulations. He pledged to lead by example in this regard and extended his well wishes for their safe journeys as they return to their respective bases.
Furthermore, the IGP outlined plans for the creation of a new special squad called the Special Intervention Squad. This unit will comprise 40,000 highly trained elite officers selected from the existing Police Mobile Force (PMF) personnel and tactical units across the country.
The IGP explained that the formation of this special squad involves the initiation of necessary procedures. These selected officers will undergo rigorous pre-deployment training to ensure their readiness for frontline operational duties in all states of the Federation, with particular focus on areas experiencing unrest and turmoil. By leveraging the expertise and experience of the PMF personnel and other tactical units, the aim is to establish a formidable force capable of effectively addressing the evolving security challenges.
The dedicated force will enhance the capacity to respond swiftly and decisively to security threats, ensuring their presence is felt and their response is effective nationwide. Each state of the Federation will receive 1,000 personnel from the new squad as standby intervention units, while the remaining officers will be allocated to more troubled spots or zones out of the total 40,000.
It is important to note that these officers will not perform routine police duties but will be stationed and prepared for combat at all times. They will engage in daily training to maintain their readiness for deployments, with the primary objective of intercepting and neutralizing high-profile criminals and individuals terrorizing communities. Their deployment will be proactive and rapid, as required in their assigned states.