In response to a deadly spike in violent attacks, Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has launched a nationwide crackdown on banditry. Special combat-ready police units are now being deployed across the country to restore peace and order.
Swift Action Against Rising Insecurity
On Tuesday, during a high-level meeting with Police Mobile Force (PMF) commanders in Abuja, the Inspector-General ordered all squadrons to maintain at least one fully equipped unit on standby. This directive is effective immediately.
Egbetokun said these standby units must be ready to respond to any crisis, emergency, or high-risk operation at a moment’s notice.
“The PMF was created as a strike force, swift, decisive, and combat-ready,” he stated.
Police Units to Be Reorganized
To boost efficiency, the size of PMF units will be reviewed and adjusted. Commanders will now be held accountable for their teams’ behavior and performance. They must lead proactively by conducting regular inspections, lectures, and training programs.
Every quarter, each squadron is also required to send units for special training sessions. These sessions will focus not only on tactics but also on ethics and professionalism.
Escort Duties Are Over
The IG also emphasized the withdrawal of mobile policemen from VIP escort duties. He noted that this has drained the force’s tactical strength. Instead, officers will be refocused on core security tasks like combating violent crimes and protecting citizens.
Wave of Violence Sweeps Across States
This move comes after a string of brutal attacks in several Nigerian states. In the past few weeks, at least 21 people have been killed in separate incidents in Kwara, Benue, and Sokoto states.
Kwara State: Deadly Attack at a Motor Park
In Ilesha Baruba, Kwara State, gunmen attacked a motor park and opened fire at a nearby relaxation spot. Six people were killed and two others injured. A vigilante member was also shot dead during a patrol in Kaiama.
Police later arrested a suspected informant connected to a bandit network.
Benue State: Bandit Kills 11 in Ukum LGA
In Benue, a known bandit, nicknamed “Government,” reportedly killed 11 people in the Afia community. Some locals said he had a history of mental illness, but officials confirmed he is a wanted criminal.
State officials said over 72 people were killed in previous attacks by armed herders in the same region.
Sokoto State: Lakurawa Terrorists Strike Again
Terrorists from the Lakurawa group raided two villages in Tangaza LGA, killing three residents and stealing livestock. Shops were looted and several homes were attacked.
Local sources said the gunmen moved house to house before fleeing into the forest.
State Governments Step In
Governors across Nigeria are stepping up their own security efforts:
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Kwara State: Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq led top military and police officials on a security tour of affected areas.
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Benue State: Governor Hyacinth Alia claimed the attackers are foreigners who speak unfamiliar languages, suggesting they are not Nigerian nationals.
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Katsina State: The state has spent over ₦36.8 billion on community security forces, equipment, and surveillance tools. Nearly 2,000 personnel have been deployed.
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Ondo State: Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa deployed 115 military personnel to fight bandits in the Akoko region.
NSA Ribadu: “We Inherited a Broken System”
National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, visited Benue State to offer condolences. He acknowledged the worsening insecurity and blamed it on years of neglect. Ribadu promised that the Tinubu administration is taking a new, strategic approach.
“This is not about politics or religion. It’s pure criminality, and we are fighting it head-on,” he said.
A Call for Unity and Urgent Action
Residents and local leaders are urging the government to act faster. The fear in affected communities is growing. The situation has become a national emergency, and the people are demanding lasting solutions.
With daily attacks becoming the norm, the deployment of special police units offers hope, but only if backed by consistent action, proper funding, and community cooperation.
