On Tuesday, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, announced the deployment of a special squad aimed at addressing the escalating violence across the country. This initiative comes in response to recent attacks that resulted in the deaths of 21 individuals in Kwara, Benue, and Sokoto States.
Egbetokun instructed all Police Mobile Force (PMF) squadrons to maintain at least one fully equipped, combat-ready unit on standby at all times, effective immediately. This directive was given during a meeting with Squadron Commanders held in Abuja, where he emphasized the need for rapid support to state commands during crises, high-risk operations, or emergency situations.
“The PMF was established as a strike force—swift, decisive, and combat-ready,” Egbetokun asserted. “Effective immediately, all PMF squadrons must have at least one fully equipped unit on standby at all times. These units are to provide urgent tactical intervention as required.”
Additionally, he mandated that each squadron send one unit for training every quarter, focusing on operational proficiency while also emphasizing ethics, professionalism, and responsible policing principles.
Egbetokun also announced that squadron sizes would be reviewed and reorganized to enhance efficiency and agility. He stated, “From this point forward, PMF commanders will be held vicariously responsible for their personnel’s conduct. Commanders must actively lead through regular lectures, inspections, and localized training programs that reinforce discipline, respect for human rights, and operational excellence.”
The IG reiterated the decision to withdraw mobile policemen from escort duties, noting that this had hampered the PMF’s tactical effectiveness. “Directives have already been issued regarding the withdrawal of PMF personnel from non-essential deployments. It is the responsibility of all commanders to enforce this directive without delay,” he said. He emphasized the need to refocus efforts toward combating violent crimes and ensuring national security, promising new leadership perspectives and strategic approaches for the PMF.
Egbetokun declared that indiscipline among mobile police officers would no longer be tolerated, stating, “The Nigeria Police Force will not allow the values, standards, and discipline that once defined the PMF to be undermined. The PMF carries a significant responsibility to confront armed threats, insurgency, and criminal violence with integrity and courage.”
In recent incidents, tranquility in Ilesha Baruba, Kwara State, was disrupted by gunmen who attacked a relaxation spot in a motor park, resulting in six fatalities. A vigilante was also killed in Kemanji, Kaiama LGA, while patrolling near Kainji National Park. The Kwara Police Public Relations Officer, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed ongoing investigations and the arrest of an informant linked to a bandit network.
In another tragic event, in the Afia community of Benue State, a suspected bandit known as ‘Government’ reportedly killed 11 people, shortly after armed herders had invaded multiple communities, resulting in numerous fatalities. The state Commissioner for Information, Mathew Abo, confirmed the incident while expressing differing views on the suspect’s mental state.
Meanwhile, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, during a visit to Benue State, expressed condolences for the recent violence and highlighted the federal government’s commitment to addressing the longstanding insecurity issues afflicting the nation.
In Sokoto State, members of the Lakurawa terror group executed deadly raids in Adarawa and Huymar Dutsi villages, resulting in several deaths and looting. Local communities have voiced concerns over the increasing frequency of such attacks, prompting calls for enhanced security measures.
The Northern States Governors’ Forum is collaborating to tackle the rising wave of banditry and terrorism, with Governor Muhammadu Yahaya spearheading efforts to forge a unified approach to the region’s security challenges.
In Katsina State, Deputy Governor Faruk Jobe reported successes in restoring peace in areas previously troubled by banditry, attributing improvements to substantial investments in security infrastructure.
Additionally, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa announced the deployment of military personnel to the Akoko region to combat banditry and promised further enhancements to the state’s security apparatus.
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia attributed the recent violence to foreign perpetrators, emphasizing the alarming escalation of attacks and the need for coordinated responses to ensure the safety of local communities.
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