On Wednesday, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, initiated a specialized team named the 'Special Intervention Squad' to combat the increasing incidents of kidnappings in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
During the squad's launch in Abuja, the police chief highlighted that the team consists of specially trained mobile police officers dedicated to responding swiftly to security breaches in the FCT.
Emphasizing the squad's commitment to extensive community policing, Egbetokun assured the public that the newly established Special Intervention Squad would be replicated in neighbouring states to address the ongoing security challenges effectively. The move comes in response to public outcry following the abduction of six siblings and their father in the Bwari Area Council of Abuja on January 3, 2024. Tragically, one of the sisters, identified as Nabeehah, was reportedly killed by the kidnappers when their parents could not meet the N60 million ransom deadline.
In a bid to tackle the menace of kidnapping and other criminal activities in the nation's capital, the IGP called for intensified efforts on Monday. He held meetings with the Force Management Team and Tactical Squads in Abuja as part of the strategic response.
President Bola Tinubu expressed concern over the recent surge in kidnappings and bandit attacks in the FCT and other parts of the country on Tuesday. Describing the situation as disturbing, ungodly, and sinister, the President assured the public that security agencies would promptly address the current challenge. Furthermore, he pledged that comprehensive resources, policies, and plans would be implemented soon to facilitate the extensive education of Nigerian youths.
