The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has inducted 169 Special Intervention Squad of the Nigeria Police as part of the federal government efforts to tackle the growing national security challenge as well as to fill a critical gap in the current security system.
According to the IGP, the creation of the SIS was borne out of a clear and urgent vision to confront the most formidable challenges that beset the nation presently, such as kidnapping, banditry, and other violent crimes across various regions of the country.
“This elite unit has been meticulously crafted to fill a physical gap in our current system providing a robust mechanism for rapid response and high impact intervention. These officers have been trained to navigate complex, high tension situation with precision, ensuring that they are prepared to act swiftly and in scenarios demanding expert attention,” he stated.
He explained that the creation of the SIS was informed by a bold, forward thinking policing in Nigeria with clear goals to ensure a safer Nigeria where every citizen can live, work and thrive free from the fear of crime.
“I’m confident that this unit will have a substantial and positive impact on our nation’s security landscape,” the IGP said.
He charged the graduating officers to see their job as a profound honor and solemn responsibility, reminding them that they carry the hopes and expectations of the entire nation.
For the United State Ambassador in Nigeria, Richard Mills, the formation of the SIS is not a reaction to the security challenges but a proactive measure.
Represented at the event by Shawn Jameel Garvin, Senior Adviser for the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement, the US envoy said the training of the officers which has been completed has empowered them with advance skills, tactics and knowledge necessary to respond and protect their communities effectively.
He charged the graduating police officers to be guardians of justice. “You are the protectors of the people of Nigeria. You must be the embodiment of resilience. Build bridges of trust and cooperate with the community you serve,” he stated
Speaking at the event which took place the Police Mobile Training College at Ende Hills in Nasarawa State on Monday, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering belief in Nigeria and his continued efforts to enhance security across the country.
The Governor commended President Tinubu for his support to the Nigerian Police and other security agencies, emphasizing the importance of training and retraining in building a secure Nigeria.
He also thanked the Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the US Embassy for their partnership and support in establishing the SIS.
“I want to join the Minister by appreciating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his belief in Nigeria and his continued support to the Nigerian Police and indeed, all the security agencies that today we are witnessing this event.
“I thank God that today, the Nigerian police are taking training more seriously because that is exactly the way to go. I appreciate the Minister of Police Affairs, the Ministry, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for their continued support to the IGP as well as the Nigeria Police,” he said.
Governor Sule particularly commended IGP Egbetokun for his initiative leading to the establishment of the new Police elite squad, the SIS, as well as for taking training seriously.
He was full of appreciation to the Nigerian police for locating the training school in Ende, an area he said was previously notorious for accidents and criminal activities.
“In the past, this is an area where bad people have selected to be their operational base attacking motorists. We have solved so many problems converting ‘Many Have Gone’ to ‘Many Have Come’. But this is the same area when in 2019, my Deputy was attacked and about 5 policemen killed. Today, the criminals have gone. Thank you the Nigeria Police, thank you the Federal Government of Nigeria, thank you for what you have done to Nasarawa Eggon, people of Nasarawa and Ende community,” he added.
He equally thanked the United States Embassy for their partnership and support towards establishing the SIS and for supporting Nigeria towards sustaining peace and security.
While congratulating the graduating police officers, the Governor called on them to exhibit the highest level of professionalism as they combat crimes, in line with their new disposition as guardians of peace and bridge builders of trust.
Governor Sule also appreciated the Ende community for being supportive throughout the period leading to the establishment of the facility in the area.
Krestnews reports that the Governor’s appreciation comes as President Tinubu’s administration continues to prioritize security, recognizing its significance in achieving national development.
The SIS, a specialized unit trained to combat kidnapping, banditry, and other violent crimes, represents a significant milestone in the country’s quest for a safer and more secure Nigeria.
The graduation ceremony was attended by dignitaries, including the Minister of State, Police Affairs, Imaan Suleiman Ibrahim, and the US Embassy’s Senior Adviser for the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Shawn Jameel Garvin.
The event marked a significant step forward in Nigeria’s fight against security threats and violent crimes. Also, as part of the ceremony, the graduating police officers demonstrated tactical maneuvers to showcase some of the techniques they learned during the training.
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