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Bauchi Gov praises IGP Egbetokun for setting up SIS

The Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir, has praised Inspector General of Police (IGP) Olukayode Egbetokun for setting up a Special Intervention Squad (SIS) in the Force.

The Governor expressed his appreciation on Wednesday when he welcomed the IGP and his team on a courtesy visit at the EXCO Chambers of the Government House.

He said that the establishment of such a special squad would boost the fight against insecurity across the nation, as the bandits would be trapped as they fled from one part of the nation to another.

The governor condemned the unprofessional conduct of vigilante groups across the nation and urged the IGP to ensure oversight and regulation of their operations to reduce abuses.

He, however, stated that “Bauchi State does not have resident bandits but informants who facilitate the bandits’ operations. The wide expanse of forests we have in the state is being used by the bandits to move and operate.”

The governor further emphasised the need for the adoption of advanced technology in the fight against insecurity, considering the fact that banditry and criminality have become more sophisticated.

He also bemoaned the lack of human and financial resources for the police, which is affecting its smooth operations, stressing that there is a need for a change in that direction.

Bala Mohammed then assured that his administration will continue to support the NPF and other security agencies operating in the state in every necessary area in order to assist in the difficult task of maintaining peace.

Bala Mohammed described the IGP’s intervention as commendable and assured him of the support of his administration for the success of all initiatives aimed at protecting the lives and properties of the citizens.

He, however, appealed to the IGP to further support the state police command with state-of-the-art facilities for improved operations.

Earlier, the IGP, Olukayode Egbetokun, said he was in Bauchi State to meet officers and men of the state command in order to update them on the new policy of the force.

He said that the new police force is committed to ensuring that banditry and other criminalities are reduced to the lowest level and that innocent Nigerians have peace.

The IGP then announced that his office has finalised plans to establish a Special Intervention Squad (SIS) in all 37 Commands, including FCT, for effective crime prevention and control.

He explained that the SIS will consist of only committed and dedicated personnel of the Force, saying that “they will be isolatedly camped, trained, and equipped with intervention processes and procedures.”

Olukayode Egbetokun added that, “They will be well and will only go out of the camp to intervene in crisis situations and go back to the camp to continue with their training. They will not be participating in the routine police duties.”

Olukayode Egbetokun said that the SIS will be piloted in 10 states across the country, including Bauchi State, stressing that the aim is to put the bandits at the centre as they move from one state to the next, saying, “With this, the days of banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of insecurity are numbered in the country.”

He noted that the state was chosen in view of its strategic advantage in addressing security challenges in the northern parts of the country.

He commended Governor Bala Mohammed for providing all the needed support for the activities of the Nigerian Police Force.

The IGP also praised the governor for deploying strength to ensure peace in the state, saying that from all crime indices, the state is one of the most peaceful states in the country.

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