The Inspector General of Police has said that the Special Intervention Squad represents a bold, forward-thinking approach to policing in Nigeria.
The IGP made this known on Monday, 19th August 2024, at the passing out ceremony of officers of the Special Intervention Squad at the Police Mobile Force Training College, Ende Hills, Nasarawa State.
Egbetokun reiterated that the SIS embodies the Force’s resolve to continually evolve and refine its strategies in response to the dynamic landscape of crime.
“As we move forward, we will persist in enhancing our operations, drawing on the lessons learnt and the successes achieved.
“Our goal is clear: to create a safer Nigeria where every citizen can live, work, and thrive free from the fear of crime. With the Special Intervention Squad, we are taking a decisive step towards realising this goal.
“I am confident that this unit will have a substantial and positive impact on our nation’s security landscape, the IGP said.
To the officers graduating, the IGP said that they are stepping into roles of immense responsibility and significance.
“You have been carefully selected and rigorously trained to serve in a unit that will be at the forefront of our efforts to combat serious crime and enhance public safety. The trust that has been placed in you is both a profound honour and a solemn responsibility.
“As you embark on this critical national assignment, remember that you carry the hopes and expectations of an entire nation. Your mission goes beyond merely fighting crime; it includes building bridges with the communities you serve.
“Approach each challenge with unwavering determination, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to upholding the highest standards of professional conduct.
He thanked the international partners, Mr David Green, Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of the United States of America, Abuja, as well as officials from the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), other Consular staff, the GS Foundation, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), for their invaluable contributions and unwavering support that have been instrumental in bringing the training initiative to fruition.
In his address, the governor of Nasarawa State commended the Inspector General of Police and his team for the establishment of the squad and the timely training of its members. The Minister of Police Affairs, in her remarks, also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to consistently supply the essential resources required for efficient policing across the nation.
Recall that on 30th October 2023, Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, announced the setting up of a Special Intervention Squad (SIS), a standby team of specially trained officers to rapidly intervene in major incidents’ in ten (10) pilot states identified as prone to violent crimes.
