Nigeria’s Police Chief Deploys Special Squad as Violence Escalates Across States

Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the immediate deployment of a special squad to address the increasing violence plaguing various parts of the country.

During a meeting with Police Mobile Force (PMF) Squadron Commanders in Abuja on Tuesday, Mr. Egbetokun directed all PMF squadrons to maintain at least one fully equipped, combat-ready unit on constant standby. This directive came as reports emerged of further attacks by armed groups, locally known as bandits, in Kwara, Benue, and Sokoto states, resulting in the deaths of at least 21 people.

In recent weeks, attacks on civilians have intensified, with Plateau, Benue, Enugu, and other regions experiencing a surge in violence.

Addressing his commanders, the Inspector-General stressed the PMF’s role as a rapid intervention force. “The PMF was created as a strike force – to be swift, decisive and combat-ready. Effective immediately, all PMF squadrons are directed to maintain at least one fully equipped, combat-ready unit on standby at all times,” he stated.

These standby units are expected to provide swift support to state police commands during crises, high-risk operations, and emergencies. Additionally, each squadron will be required to send a unit for quarterly training focusing on operational proficiency, ethics, professionalism, and responsible policing.

Mr. Egbetokun also announced a review and reorganisation of squadron sizes to enhance efficiency and agility. He warned commanders that they would be held responsible for the conduct of their personnel and emphasised the need for proactive leadership, regular training, and the reinforcement of discipline and respect for human rights.

Reiterating the withdrawal of mobile police officers from escort duties, the Inspector-General expressed concern that this practice had diminished the PMF’s tactical effectiveness. He stated that a gradual withdrawal from non-core assignments was underway to refocus resources on combating violent crime and safeguarding national security.

The police chief vowed that indiscipline within the mobile police force would no longer be tolerated, emphasising the PMF’s crucial role in confronting armed threats, insurgency, and criminal violence with integrity and courage.

Violence Erupts in Multiple States

The Inspector-General’s directive coincided with reports of deadly attacks in several states:

• Kwara State: Gunmen attacked a relaxation spot in a motor park in Ilesha Baruba, killing six people. A vigilante was also killed during a patrol in the Kaiama Local Government Area. Police reported the arrest of an informant linked to a bandit network and intensified security efforts in the affected communities. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq conducted a security assessment of the Kaiama region.
• Benue State: A suspected bandit, identified as “Government,” reportedly killed 11 people in the Afia community in the Ukum Local Government Area. This followed earlier attacks in the Ukum and Logo areas that left at least 72 dead. Governor Hyacinth Alia claimed the attackers were foreign nationals speaking unfamiliar languages. The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, visited Benue to commiserate with the state and assured of the federal government’s commitment to addressing insecurity, acknowledging it as a long-standing issue.
• Sokoto State: The Lakurawa terror group launched an overnight raid on Adarawa and Huymar Dutsi villages in the Tangaza Local Government Area, killing three residents and looting shops and livestock.

The escalating violence has prompted the Northern States Governors’ Forum to adopt a joint approach to address banditry and terrorism in the region. Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, who chairs the forum, is reportedly spearheading these efforts, advocating for stronger inter-state cooperation and intelligence sharing.

Meanwhile, the Katsina State Deputy Governor highlighted the state’s efforts in restoring peace to previously affected areas through significant investment in security infrastructure and personnel. The Ondo State Governor also announced the deployment of military personnel to tackle banditry in the Akoko area of the state.