Security

Police IG Visits Kebbi after School Abduction

By Web News 248

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has arrived in Kebbi State following the abduction of schoolgirls from the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga.

During his visit, he is expected to meet with the Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, and address personnel of the Nigeria Police Force in the state.

Mr Egbetokun’s trip comes after a security briefing with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa on Sunday, where rising abduction cases in Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara states were discussed.

It will be recalled that bandits attacked the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, in the early hours of 17 November, killing the Vice Principal, Malam Hassan Makuku, before abducting several students.

The gunmen reportedly operated unhindered, shooting Makuku as he tried to protect the students.

As the nation mourned the Kebbi tragedy, armed men carried out another large-scale abduction in Niger State last Friday at St. Mary’s Primary and Secondary School, Papiri.

The gunmen, riding more than 60 motorcycles and accompanied by a van, shot and critically injured the school’s gatekeeper before abducting 315 students.

According to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), 50 of the students later escaped.

The CAN Chairman in Niger State and Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Most Reverend Bulus Yohanna, confirmed that the escaping students regained freedom between Friday and Saturday.

Punch/Maxwell Oyekunle

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Security

Police Begin Enforcement of Tinted Glass Permit

By Web News 717

By Mojisola Oladele 

Osun State Police Command has commenced the enforcement of the tinted glass permit for vehicles across the state.

The enforcement is part of the directive to reactivate the issuance of permits for vehicles with tinted windows as directed by the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun.

According a Statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Abiodun Ojelabi, vehicle owners are advised to immediately register or reactivate their tinted glass permits online.

Mr Ojelabi “The Inspector-General’s directive is clear, all vehicles with tinted windows must be duly registered and authorised through the appropriate channels. All applications must now be made exclusively through the POSSAP portal.” 

“Steps to Apply for Tinted Glass Permit: Visit https://possap.gov.ng

Sign up using a valid email and password

Select applicant type (Individual/Corporate/NGO)

Choose identification method (NIN or BVN) and enter the number

Fill in the required personal and vehicle details.” Mr Ojelabi adds

He noted that vehicle owners who fail to comply with the new directive risk penalties, including possible impoundment of their vehicles during routine checks.

Mr. Ojelabi added that the initiative aimed to enhance national security and to ensure that the use of tinted glass is properly regulated and monitored.

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Security

Egbetokun Deploys Special Squads to Address Violence

By Web News 54

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has deployed a special squad to address the rising violence across the country.

He ordered all Police Mobile Force Squadrons to maintain at least one fully equipped, combat-ready unit on constant standby, effective immediately.

He gave the directive during a meeting with Squadron Commanders in Abuja on Tuesday, as bandits struck in Kwara, Benue and Sokoto States, killing 21 people.

In the past weeks, the attacks on helpless citizens have escalated with increased attacks reported in Plateau, Benue, Enugu and other parts of the country.

Addressing his squadron commanders during the meeting, the IG stressed that the standby units must be prepared to provide rapid support to state commands in times of crisis, high-risk operations, or emergency interventions.

Egbetokun said, “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.

“These units must be prepared to support their respective state commands in any situation requiring urgent tactical intervention. Additionally, each squadron will be required to send one unit for training every quarter.

“These sessions will go beyond operational proficiency, placing strong emphasis on ethics, professionalism and the principles of responsible policing.”

He also said squadrons will undergo size reviews and reorganisation to boost efficiency and agility.

Egbetokun further noted, ‘’Currently, squadron sizes will be reviewed and reduced to ensure operational effectiveness and agility. From this moment, PMF commanders will be held vicariously responsible for the conduct of their personnel.

“You are expected to lead proactively through regular lectures, inspections and localised training programmes reinforcing discipline, respect for human rights and operational excellence.”

Restating the withdrawal of mobile policemen from escort duties, the IG noted with concern that this has drained the PMF’s tactical effectiveness.

“As you are aware, directives have already been issued concerning the withdrawal of PMF personnel from authorised deployments. It is the duty of all commanders to enforce this directive without delay. A firm but gradual withdrawal from non-core assignments is underway.

“The priority now is to refocus our strength and personnel towards combating violent crimes and safeguarding national security. We will also inject new leadership perspectives, strategic approaches and continuous capacity-building initiatives aimed at restoring the PMF to its rightful place as a dominant force in internal security and a model of tactical excellence,’’ he stated.

The Police boss declared that indiscipline among the mobile police officers will no longer be tolerated.

“The Nigeria Police Force will no longer allow the values, standards and discipline that once defined the police mobile force to be undermined.

“As a strike force of the Nigerian Police Force, the PMF carries an immense responsibility to confront armed threats, insurgency and criminal violence with integrity and courage,’’ added.

Punch / Tititlayo Kupoliyi

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Security

Egbetokun Appoints New Heads for Special Intervention Squad, Marine Unit

By Web News 350

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has appointed Commissioner of Police, Abayomi Shogunle as the head of the Special Intervention Squad.

The Police Chief has also assigned Shogunle to lead the Elections Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation unit, as well as the Safe School Protection Squad.

In a statement on Friday, the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the appointments aim to strengthen internal security and improve the police force’s response to violent crimes.

The statement also announced the appointment of CSP Chima Ogarashi as the new Force Marine Officer, tasked with enhancing security and tackling crime along the nation’s inland waterways.

“The new SIS head, CP Shogunle, is a highly experienced officer in operations and public relations, with certifications in various capacities. He will lead the SIS in addressing security challenges while also overseeing Elections Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation, and the Safe School Protection Squad,” the statement read.

It added, “CSP Chima Ogarashi, in his role as Force Marine Officer, will oversee one of the Force’s most critical units, leveraging his expertise in maritime security, policing, and law enforcement on inland waterways.

“These key appointments come at a crucial time as the Force is set to unveil 25 newly acquired gunboats and plans to procure more maritime safety equipment to boost security operations on waterways nationwide. This strategic acquisition is part of the Nigeria Police Force’s proactive approach to safeguarding lives and property while reinforcing confidence in maritime safety.”

The IG assured the public of the Force’s unwavering commitment to addressing security threats and maintaining a safe environment for all citizens.

Punch / Titilayo Kupoliyi

Security

IG Expected in Ogun Tuesday, to Unveil New Police Headquarters 

By Web News 821

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, will from Tuesday embark on a three-day working visit to Ogun State.

During the visit, the IG will unveil the newly built Ogun State Police Command Headquarters, the Technical Intelligence Unit as well as the Complaint Commission Unit, all within the premises of the state police command at Eleweran, Abeokuta.

Egbetokun will also pay a courtesy call on Governor Dapo Abiodun, the four paramount rulers of Egba, Ijebu, Remo, and Yewa lands while also meeting the police operatives in the state and other stakeholders.

The spokesperson for the state police command, SP Omolola Odutola, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Saturday.

The statement partly read, “The IGP will arrive in Ogun State officially from Tuesday, April 16 through April 18, 2024.

“The itinerary for each day is herein summarised. On his arrival on Day 1, he will pay a courtesy visit to the governor, and after that, he will also pay a courtesy visit to the paramount ruler of Egbaland, the Alake.

“Day 2, there will be an inspection of the guard of honour at police state headquarters Eleweran. He will then address police officers in POWA Hall and address stakeholders who have come to welcome him.

“He will then commence the official inauguration of the newest building state headquarters, unveil the Technical Intelligence Unit, and unveil the Complaint Response Unit, all in Eleweran.

“He will move to the Olukayode Egbetokun Multipurpose Hall in Oke Ilewo and Event Centre to unveil it.”

The statement added that the police chief would also pay a courtesy visit to the Akarigbo of Remoland and the Awujale of Ijebu land, after which he would depart for Lagos.

It added, “Thereafter, he will proceed to Sagamu to pay a courtesy visit on the Akarigbo of Remoland. Immediately after that, he will replicate the same in Ijebu Ode to pay a courtesy visit on the Awujale of Ijebu land.

“Day 3, he will proceed to Ilaro to pay a courtesy visit on the Olu of Ilaro. Then, finally, depart for Lagos.”

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Security

Acting AIG Orders Dismantling of Non- Security Checkpoints

By Web News 394

Acting Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Thursday asked commissioners of police in the 36 States of the federation and Federal Capital Territory, FCT, to immediately commence dismantling of all non-security checkpoints within their areas of responsibilities, and arrest violators for prompt prosecution.

He also gave commissioners of police yet to establish the complaints response units, CRU, three weeks within which to do so in their command headquarters to combat corruption.

Speaking at a strategic meeting with DIGs, AIGs and command CPs, Egbetokun assured that the Police would provide adequate security for the governorship elections coming up in three states of the federation, saying there was no need for worry.

He said: “We are aware of the challenge posed by the continued presence of unauthorized persons on the various highways around the country, in the guise of revenue collection, who constantly constitute nuisance on the highways by obstructing the flow of traffic, and engaging in mischievous activities, such as the seizure of vehicles, collection of fines and other unlawful activities.

“With just three States having their gubernatorial election, the Police are not burdensome because there are proper and adequate personnel on ground for the election.

‘Just as we have seen in other isolated elections, we have availability of more men in number than the one of the general elections. I have no fear about how safe and secure the election which is going to take place on November 11 2023, will be.

“Its very convenient for us to deploy. Nobody should entertain fear about the security of the November election. We have prepared. We are ready and very soon, we will start deployment.

“We deliberately decided to take this year’s Police conference and retreat to one of the States we are having the election. The conference and retreat are coming just less than two weeks to the election.

“So, it is deliberate and not by accident that we chose the venue and date. It is also to show to the public that we are ready for the election. So, there is no fear for the coming election.”

He, however, called on the electorate and politicians to play by the rules of election, and shun any form of violence.

Vanguard/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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Security

Update: Acting IGP Highlights Strategies for Improved Security

By Web News 480

By Iyabo Adebisi

Acting Inspector General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun says efforts to recruit additional security personnel into the Nigeria Police Force are ongoing to address the shortage of manpower within the force.

He disclosed this at a 3-day retreat organized by the Police Service Commission for the Committee of Retired Inspectors General of Police in Ibadan. 

Oyo State Deputy Governor, Mr Bayo Lawal (l) with the Acting Inspector General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun (r)

The retreat’s focus is; “Intervention of Ex-Inspectors General of Police for strategic contribution to effective policing In Nigeria”. 

The IGP, who highlighted the various strategies implemented for the police force, said the funding difficulties have shown notable improvement with the support of government. 

He said: “We are looking forward to a police force that will be well positioned to respond appropriately and adequately to the dynamic of crime and criminality in Nigeria.”

“It is difficult to have such a police force without understanding the multifaceted nature of the challenges that we have. The challenges today are numerous and multifaceted and requested multifaceted the approach to tackle.”

 “We cannot be talking of just human security without considering economic and environmental security because they are all interconnected and we need to understand the interconnectedness of these challenges, as attending to human security alone and neglecting the others will not solve the problem.

“Fortunately, we have a government in place led by President Bola Tinubu, who has engendered to improve security agenda for the nation, to look at all these problems and tackle them holistically.”

 He also announced the establishment of a Special intervention Squad within the Nigeria Police Force that would revitalize the Police Mobile Force and other units to enhance its role in performing additional security tasks and effective policing. 

According to the acting IGP, some officers of the PMF would be mobilised, retrained, kitted, and enumerated specially to make them function like the PMF of those days and will not be deployed to guard duties or VIP escorts as it is today.

He maintained that officers of the squad would be housed and ready for deployment at short notice to any crisis zone in Nigeria.

“We intend to have this squad in every state of the federation but we realized that we might not be able to do it simultaneously.”

“So we have therefore identified some states that we are going to use as pilot states for the scheme but the whole idea is just to have the PMF that we really need,” he explained.

Earlier, the chairman, committee of retired Inspectors-General, Mr Aliyu Attah said the forum became imperative in view of security challenges facing the nation with a view to proffering solutions to the challenges, having navigated the terrain as ex-IGPs. 

Ex-IGP Attah who spoke through, Chairman, PSC, Mr Solomon Aranse called for unity of the committee and championing of ethical conduct, professionalism and accountability within the police force, by demanding for excellence in service and an incorruptible police force. 

In a presentation on simple analysis of the statutory duties of the Nigeria Police, a resource person, Mr Fimihan Adeoye emphaisised the need to strengthen police divisional headquarters in terms of personnel and equipment for effective policing. 

Two out of the retired IGP, Mr. Sunday Ehindero and Mr. Ongbonaya Onovo in an interview said the retreat was fruitful and expressed optimism that the recommendations at the forum would go a long way in tackling security crises confronting Nigeria. 

The acting IGP later paid courtesy call on Governor Seyi Makinde where he intimated him with the vision of the Nigeria Police Force and solicited more support for the state police command.

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Acting Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun speaking at
Security

Efforts on to recruit additional personnel – IGP

By Web News 512

By Iyabo Adebisi

Acting Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun says efforts to recruit additional personnel into the Nigeria Police Force are ongoing to address the shortage of manpower within the force.

He disclosed this at a 3-day retreat organized by the Police Service Commission for the Committee of Retired Inspectors General of Police in Ibadan.

The IGP who highlighted the various strategies implemented by the police force, said the funding difficulties have shown notable improvement.

He also announced the establishment of a Special Intervention Squad within the Nigeria Police Force that would revitalize the Police Mobile Force and other units to enhance its role in performing additional security tasks and aid effective policing.

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Security

Egbetokun Takes Over as Acting AIG

By Web News 600

The Acting Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has officially assumed office as the 22nd IG.

The former IG, Usman Baba, officially handed over to Egbetokun today, Wednesday, during a Handing/Taking Over Ceremony of the Inspector-General of Police at the Louis Edet House, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

it would be recalled that President Bola Tinubu appointed Egbetokun as the new acting IGP alongside the Service Chiefs and Egbetokun was decorated on Tuesday at the State House by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Punch/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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