Abati: I thought I could rattle Tinubu during media chat — but he knows what he’s doing

By Solomon Odeniyi

The committee instituted by the acting Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, on the establishment of the Special Intervention Squad and the withdrawal of Police Mobile Force personnel from VIP escort/guard duties, has submitted its report.

The IG had during a meeting with Squadron leaders and Tactical Commanders on June 26, 2023, vowed to effect the withdrawal of Police Mobile Force personnel from VIP escort/guard duties.

He also announced the establishment of the Special Intervention Squad which would have 40,000 highly trained police officers including selected officers from the Police Mobile Force

The committee headed by the Deputy Inspector General of Police (Operations), DIG Adeleke Bode, was set up to assess and advise on how these policies could be implemented seamlessly.

In a statement on Monday, the Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, said the IG promised to review and put in place measures to implement the committee’s recommendations.

It read, “The Acting Inspector General of Police received the much-anticipated committee report on the repositioning of the Police Mobile Force to strengthen internal security to wit the establishment of the Special Intervention Squad today July 10, 2023, from the Chairman of the Committee and Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Operations, DIG Bode.

This report marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts of the IGP to enhance operational efficiency and ensure the effective management of manpower in the Force.

“The IG had, in his recent address during his inaugural meeting with the Commanders of the Police Mobile Force and other tactical squads, unveiled the establishment of a 40,000-strong Special Intervention Squad, and the withdrawal of PMF personnel from VIP escorts, as well as the shutting down of all unapproved beats to beef up internal security and attain police primary in the internal security architecture.

“The IGP who commended the efforts of the Committee has assured that the Force Management Team will peruse, review and emplace modalities for seamless implementation of its recommendations to improve the overall functioning of the Police Force.” (punch)