In a bid to address the escalating issue of kidnappings in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, unveiled a specialized unit named the ‘Special Intervention Squad’ on Wednesday. The primary focus of this squad is to mitigate the rising incidents of abductions within the FCT.
During the official launch of the Special Intervention Squad in Abuja, the IGP highlighted that the team is composed of specially trained mobile police officers equipped to deliver swift responses to security breaches in the FCT. Emphasizing the importance of community policing, Egbetokun assured the public that the efforts of this newly established squad will extend to neighboring states to address the broader challenge of insecurity.
The initiative follows public outcry over the abduction of six siblings and their father in the Bwari Area Council of Abuja on January 3, 2024. Tragically, one of the sisters, Nabeehah, lost her life after the kidnappers allegedly killed her due to the parents’ inability to meet the N60 million ransom demand.
In response to the alarming situation, the IGP, on Monday, urged an intensified crackdown on kidnappers and other criminal elements operating in the nation’s capital. Furthermore, he convened meetings with the Force Management Team and Tactical Squads in Abuja to strategize and enhance the overall security apparatus.
President Bola Tinubu, expressing deep concern over the recent surge in kidnappings and bandit attacks in the FCT and other parts of the country, condemned the developments as disturbing, ungodly, and sinister. While acknowledging the prompt actions taken by security agencies, President Tinubu assured the public that comprehensive resources, policies, and plans would soon be deployed for the extensive education of Nigerian youths, as part of the broader effort to address the root causes of such criminal activities.
