Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Olukayode Egbetokun, has charged the Special Intervention Squad, SIS, to deal decisively with criminals.
Egbetokun specifically directed the SIS to deal decisively with terrorists, bandits and other violent groups threatening the peace and unity of the country.
He gave the directive on Monday at the graduation of 169 personnel of SIS at the Police Mobile Force Training College, Ende Hills, Nassarawa-Eggon Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
The police, in conjunction with the United States of America’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, facilitated the training of the 169 personnel.
Egbetokun said the occasion marked a significant milestone in the police determination to ensure a safer country, given the ever-changing nature of crimes.
He added that the training was not a mere formality, but a powerful testament to the police relentless commitment to fortify national security and protect the lives of the people.
“The creation of SIS was borne out of a clear and urgent vision to tackle the formidable security challenges confronting the country.
“Challenges such as terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes as witnessed in different regions are capable of stagnating the nation’s progress, if not tackled,” he said.
The IGP said in the face of the threats, the police decided to create a special unit that could operate with a high level of expertise, precision and efficiency.
He explained that the unit is armed with the skills and knowledge needed to counter the severe threats, strictly and decisively.
According to him, traditional policing method has been effective, but the special squad is aimed at breaching the existing gap in the policing operation.
He said the personnel were carefully selected and trained, and would only be deployed to any part of the country when their services are needed.
On his part, Lanre Ogunlowo, Commissioner of Police in charge of SIS, explained that the training of the 169 personnel, which lasted for seven weeks, started in Lagos and ended at Ende Hills.
He noted that the graduates would add to the over 1,000 SIS members operating in eight states in the country.
Ogunlowo noted that these were the first SIS members fully trained by the force and their partners to combat crime and make the country safer and more peaceful.
In her remarks, Mrs Imam Suleiman, Minister of State for Police Affairs, appreciated the IGP and his team for the good work they are doing to keep the country safe.
She noted that the President Bola Tinubu-led administration is in full support of the creation of the special squad to fight insecurity and threats in the country.
Also, Richards Mills, US Ambassador to Nigeria, represented by Shaun Galvin, said the US is interested in assisting Nigeria to tackle insecurity.
He said America would continue to support Nigeria with expertise and logistics to enable it confront and defeat the elements threatening the security of the nation.
On his part, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State lauded the police for establishing the training college in Ende Hills, adding that it would assist in addressing insecurity in the country. NAN
