The Acting Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, has announced plans to establish a Quick Intervention Squad by the Nigeria Police to effectively combat crimes and criminal activities.
During his inaugural conference with Strategic Police Managers in Abuja, consisting of officers ranked Commissioner of Police and above, Egbetokun expressed the determination of the Nigeria Police Force under his leadership to confront crimes and criminality directly, aiming to eliminate their destructive impact on society’s security and safety.
He revealed plans to create a specialized Quick Intervention Squad composed of highly trained and prepared personnel from the Police Mobile Force.
These officers would possess advanced skills in crisis de-escalation and strategies for reducing violent crimes.
“The engagement strategies of the Police Mobile Force will be reviewed to revive its previous prominence as an integral part of the police force,” Egbetokun stated.
Acknowledging the rapidly changing world, the IG emphasized the adoption of innovation and technology as crucial allies in the fight against crime. He noted that criminals today are more sophisticated, organized, and ruthless than ever before.
To maintain an advantage over criminals seeking to disrupt the peace of the country, Egbetokun outlined the utilization of cutting-edge tools, data analytics, and intelligence networks. These measures would enable the Nigeria Police to proactively stay ahead of criminals.
He emphasized the importance of a robust human and technical intelligence gathering process to strengthen the capabilities of the personnel.
By harnessing technology, the streets can be made safer, investigations more efficient, and communities more resilient.
Egbetokun highlighted the significance of proactive collaboration with domestic and international security agencies to bolster the intelligence network and prevent crime effectively.
The IG also stressed the prioritization of enhancing the Nigeria Police Training Curriculum. The focus would be on cultivating attitudinal and behavioral changes in new recruits and implementing a reorientation program for serving officers.
The objective of the new training curriculum is to reshape officers’ perception of human rights, the rule of law, and citizen-focused policing.
In addition, the curriculum will include tests designed to identify individuals with negative mindsets and a high propensity for violence during the recruitment process.
Egbetokun emphasized the need to improve officers’ welfare, ensuring the availability of resources, training, and support required for them to carry out their duties professionally.
He announced plans to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to revive the Police Officer Support Unit of the Police Medical Services. This facility will provide confidential support and counseling to all police officers, promoting their well-being.
By implementing these strategies, the Nigeria Police aims to establish an effective Quick Intervention Squad, enhance training, leverage technology, and prioritize officers’ welfare to safeguard the security and peace of the nation.