The Borno State Rapid Response Squad (RRS) has arrested 1,541 suspects and secured convictions for about 1,164 individuals in the state.

The arrests were made during joint patrol operations involving the police, military, civil defence corps, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Nigerian Correctional Service, and the Civilian Joint Task Force.

The RRS, inaugurated by Governor Babagana Zulum in January 2020, is tasked with protecting lives and property and conducting regular patrols on highways, including the Maiduguri–Damaturu road.

Unveiling the squad’s achievements on Tuesday in Maiduguri, RRS Commander, Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police Babalola Adioye, said: “The squad is engaged in various movements, routine patrols, and escorts to all parts of Borno.”

He said the squad’s 588 personnel are drawn from regimented and non-regimented organisations and are equipped with 46 patrol vehicles. Highlighting the importance of joint patrols, Adioye stressed that the RRS is dedicated to fulfilling its security obligations along the Maiduguri–Damaturu road.

The patrols typically begin between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. daily, with the military opening the road at 7:00 a.m. for motorists and commuters. In addition to protecting life and property, Adioye noted that the squad responds to distress calls from communities in the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and the Jere Council. Other areas patrolled include the forward operating base at Mafa, oil exploration fields at Wadi and Gajiram in Nganzai Local Council, and Auno and Njimtilo communities in Kaga Local Council.

The squad also maintains duty posts at the Hajj Camps, Moro-Moro rehabilitation centre, leather factory, Transmission Company of Nigeria, and the Maiduguri Monday Market, rebuilt at an estimated cost of N3 billion under Governor Zulum’s administration.

To reduce crime rates, Adioye said the governor has directed the joint patrol team to address anti-social vices across the state. These efforts have led to the arrest of 1,197 suspects, with recovered exhibits valued at N27.2 million. Additionally, 64 cases are currently under investigation by the police for prosecution.

He attributed the rise in social vices to prostitution, drug abuse and trafficking, thuggery, and gangsterism. On challenges faced by the patrol team, Adioye said: “We lack administrative office spaces and operate from a squatted building, which poses risks to our operations. Additionally, we have inadequate operational vehicles that require maintenance.”

He also called for a review of personnel welfare, including monthly allowances from the federal and state governments.