Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector-General of Police, has ordered the immediate deployment of a special squad to confront the growing wave of bandits attacks in the Country.
Egbetokun, who gave the directive during a meeting with Police Mobile Force (PMF) Squadron Commanders in Abuja, also mandated all PMF units to keep at least one fully equipped, combat-ready team on standby at all times.
The move came on the heels of fresh bandit attacks that left 21 people dead in Kwara, Benue, and Sokoto States, adding to recent incidents of violence in Plateau, Benue, and Enugu States.
“The PMF was created as a strike force – swift, decisive and combat-ready. From now on, each squadron must maintain a combat-ready unit to support state commands in any emergency requiring tactical intervention”, the Police Chief said.
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To enhance professionalism and accountability, the IGP announced that all squadrons would undergo quarterly training, with a strong emphasis on ethics, discipline, and responsible policing.
He also revealed plans to review and reduce the size of PMF units to boost operational agility.
Egbetokun issued a stern warning to commanders, stressing that they would be held responsible for the conduct of their personnel.
“You must lead with purpose through regular lectures, inspections, and training that reinforce discipline and respect for human rights,” he said.
He reaffirmed the Police leadership’s decision to withdraw Mobile Police officers from escort duties, which he said, had undermined the tactical strength of the Force.
He also noted that a gradual pullout from such non-core assignments was already in progress.
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“The priority now is to redirect our personnel toward combating violent crime and protecting national security.
“We are injecting new leadership, strategy, and training to restore the PMF as a dominant force in internal security”, Egbetokun said.
He also warned that the Nigeria Police Force would not tolerate misconduct.
“The PMF must regain its reputation as a force of integrity and courage, fully equipped to confront armed threats, insurgency, and criminal violence”, he added.
