With the lauch of a Special Intervention Squad (SIS) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to address the increasing spate of insecurity in Nigeria and Abuja, the police may have finally yielded to the cries of citizens.
Although, pundits believe that police concrete action came rather late as many had already lost their lives due to the insecurity epidemic in Abuja, Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, Plateau, Niger and others states.
Abuja, had been highly unsettled following widespread insecurity around some outskirts, characterized by frequent and indiscriminate kidnapping of persons.
Kidnappers, who abducted ten people from Sagwari Estate Layout at Dutse in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on January 7, 2024, had reportedly killed two more of the abductees to send a strong warning to their relatives negotiating ransom payment.
The bandits reportedly increased their demand from the initial N60 million per person to N100 million, now totalling N700 million.
Residents said the victims were allegedly killed over the delay in raising the ransom demanded by the kidnappers.
The fiasco triggered worries in coridors of power, leading the FCT minister and President Tinubu to summon emergency security meetings.
Speaking at the launching of the special operation Wednesday in Abuja, Egbetokun said the squad was made up of trained, well equipped and highly mobile police officers.
According to him, the squad possesses the capacity for rapid intervention and effective containment of significant security breaches like those currently threatening the suburb of the FCT.
He said the alarming rise in criminal activities without equivocation, demands immediate and resolute action from all.
“This initiative is not just born out of necessity, but out of foresight, diligent planning and commitment to enhancing the already robust security architecture of the FCT.
“The FCT remains a bastion of safety and an example of efficient urban security management and in our pursuit of excellence, we must proactively address even the slightest signs of potential threats.
“We are thus duty-bound to confront all challenges head-on to protect the lives and welfare of our citizens,” he said.
He said SIS was envisioned to include a thousand personnel in each state with officers and men from each tactical unit of the force.
He said the squad would be supplemented by a formidable arsenal of operational assets, including sophisticated arms, drones, and vehicles.
“These assets displayed here are ready for deployment to counteract the security threats.
“This deployment symbolises our unwavering commitment to the safety and security of our people, sending a clear message that criminal elements will find no sanctuary within the FCT, and by extension, Nigeria.
“I wish to reiterate here that this operation is more than a mere response; it is a bold strategy aimed at dismantling the criminal networks entrenched in our communities,” he said.
He said SIS would also engage in community-oriented policing, a testament to the Nigeria Police philosophy that public safety is a collaborative endeavour.
Egbetokun said working hand-in-hand with community leaders, residents and all stakeholders would fortify the already strong bonds between the Police Force and the communities.
He said the idea was to ensure that every corner of the FCT remains a safe haven for its inhabitants.
