- IG Orders Investigation Into Source Of Information
Mobolaji Michael
THE hierarchy of the Nigerian Police Force is distancing itself from a report which widely circulated on both new and traditional media to the effect that it has ordered the removal of police aides from certain top politicians and their relatives.
CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), in a statement on Monday, said “The signal is fake and did not emanate from the NPF or any of its formations”.
“More emphatically, the signal deviates from the Police’s telegraphic message structure and standard as the signal bears the signature of a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), which is highly irregular, as a signal of this nature would typically be signed by an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), who heads such formations, and not a higher-ranking officer.
“The Acting Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has taken immediate notice and has ordered a thorough investigation into its source and assures that appropriate action will be taken against those responsible for its creation and dissemination”.
Eighteen-Eleven Media reports that the signal which purportedly originated from MOPOL 45 FHQ ABJ affected several Very Important Persons, including ex-governors, former ministers and lawmakers.
The order, now discountenanced, affected Daura Buhari, brother to former President Muhammadu Buhari as well as former First Lady, Aisha Buhari’s sibling and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha.
Eighteen-Eleven Media recalls that the IG, barely a few days after assuming office, vowed to withdraw Police Mobile Force personnel from VIP escort and guard duties.
He had also announced plans to establish the Special Intervention Squad, which according to him, would have 40,000 highly trained police officers including selected officers from the Police Mobile Force.
This, the IG said, was to allow the police to take back its place in the “internal security architecture” of the country.
IGP Kayode Egbetokun, who spoke during a meeting with Squadron leaders and Tactical Commanders in Abuja, on 26th June stated, “We shall effect the withdrawal of PMF personnel from VIP escort/guard duties. While the protection of dignitaries remains paramount, it is imperative that we realign our priorities to address the escalating security challenges faced by the nation as a whole.
“By relieving the PMF of VIP escort and guard duties, we can redirect their focus and efforts toward addressing critical security concerns that affect our communities at large.
“In a bid to kick-start the process of regaining our pride of place in the internal security architecture of our dear country first and foremost, modalities for the creation of a new special squad – the Special Intervention Squad have been initiated.
“This special squad shall 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”.
Eighteen-Eleven Media