Amid escalating attacks in various parts of the country, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the immediate rollout of special tactical squads to curb the wave of deadly assaults.
The move comes as bandits unleashed fresh violence in Kwara, Benue, and Sokoto states, leaving 21 people dead. Other states, including Plateau and Enugu, have also witnessed an upsurge in attacks, with communities reporting multiple incidents in recent weeks.
During a strategic meeting with Police Mobile Force (PMF) Squadron Commanders held in Abuja on Tuesday, Egbetokun mandated all squadrons to keep a combat-ready unit on standby, equipped and prepared to respond to emergencies at any time.
He noted that the PMF was originally conceived as a rapid-response force and must now return to that role. These standby units, he said, are to support their respective state commands during crises and emergencies that require swift tactical engagement.
In a bid to enhance performance, Egbetokun directed that each PMF squadron send a unit for quarterly training sessions focused not only on operational drills but also on ethics, professional conduct, and responsible policing standards.
To reinforce control and accountability, the police chief also disclosed plans to restructure the size of each squadron. He emphasized that commanders will now bear responsibility for the actions of their personnel, urging them to lead by example through regular drills, internal evaluations, and capacity-building activities that promote discipline and human rights adherence.
Reaffirming the earlier decision to gradually withdraw PMF officers from non-core duties such as private escorts, Egbetokun stated that these assignments have diluted the unit’s combat strength and compromised its effectiveness.
“All commanders must ensure strict compliance with the withdrawal directive,” he said. “We are repositioning the force to concentrate its strength where it matters most—tackling violent crime and protecting lives.”
He also vowed to crack down on misconduct within the ranks, warning that errant officers will face appropriate sanctions. The IGP pledged to steer the PMF back to its founding ideals, focusing on tactical preparedness, strategic leadership, and a renewed sense of purpose in securing the nation.
