Olukayode Egbetokun, the acting inspector general of police, has issued a directive mandating that all police convoys comply with all traffic laws going forward.
The instruction was given by the IG on Monday at a meeting with commanders and members of the Mobile Police Squadron at the Force’s headquarters in Abuja.
He believed that in order to earn the public’s respect, the Force needed to set an example. Therefore, he promised to set an example by adhering to all driving laws.
He said, “Let me end this speech by reminding you that those who keep the peace must be the epitome of peace. Those whose duty it is to enforce the laws of the land must themselves respect and obey the laws of the land. Without obeying the laws, the Police lack the moral high ground to interrogate and bring lawbreakers to book.
“Consequently, in line with my vision of building a rule of law compliant Police Force, it is my directive that henceforth all police convoys on routine, non-emergency movements must obey traffic lights and other traffic rules, I pledge to lead by example in this regard. As you will be returning to your various bases, I wish you a safe journey and please be assured of my best wishes always.”
The IG went on to say that the recently established special squad, known as the Special Intervention Squad, will be made up of 40,000 specially trained officers who will be chosen from the pool of current members of the Police Mobile Force and all tactical units across the nation.
He said, “Modalities for the creation of a new special squad—the Special Intervention Squad have been initiated. This special squad will consist of 40,000 specially trained elite officers. The Squad will be formed by selecting officers from the pool of existing Police Mobile Force personnel and all tactical units in the country.
“These officers will undergo intensive pre-deployment training to make them combat ready for frontline operational duties in all the states of the Federation, with a particular focus on areas plagued with unrest and turmoil. By pooling together the expertise and experience of our PMF personnel and other tactical units, we can establish a formidable force that is well-equipped to handle the evolving challenges we face.
“This dedicated force will bolster our capacity to respond swiftly and decisively to security threats, ensuring that our presence is felt and our response is effective in every corner of our country.
“1,000 personnel from this new squad will be deployed to every state of the Federation for immediate operations as standby intervention units, while more troubled spots or zones will receive the remaining officers out of the 40,000.
“These officers will not perform routine police duties but will be housed and kept combat-ready at all times, engaging in daily training in readiness for deployments to intercept and neutralise high-profile criminals and those terrorising our communities. They will be deployed to intervene rapidly and proactively in any situation necessary in their states of assignment”, Egbetokun said.