The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Olukayode Egbetokun, has charged the Special Intervention Squad (SIS) to deal decisively with criminals.

The I-G specifically directed the SIS to deal decisively with terrorists, bandits and other violent groups threatening the peace and unity of the country.

Mr Egbetokun gave the directive on Monday at the graduation of 169 personnel of SIS at the Police Mobile Force Training College, Ende Hills, Nassarawa-Eggon Local Government Area of Nasarawa state.

The police, in conjunction with the United States of America’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, facilitated the training of the 169 personnel of SIS.

Mr Egbetokun said that the occasion marked a significant milestone in the police’s determination to ensure a safer country, given the ever-changing nature of crimes.

He added that the training was not a mere formality but a powerful testament to the police’s relentless commitment to fortifying national security and protecting the lives of the people.

“The creation of the SIS was borne out of a clear and urgent vision to tackle the formidable security challenges that confront the country.

“Challenges such as terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, and other violent crimes, as witnessed in different regions of the country, are capable of stagnating the nation’s progress if not tackled,” he said.

The I-G said that in the face of the threats, the police decided to create a special unit that could operate with a high level of expertise, precision, and efficiency.

He explained that the unit was armed with the skills and knowledge needed to counter the severe threats strictly and decisively.

According to him, traditional policing method has been effective, but the special squad is aimed at breaching the existing gaps in the policing operation.

He said that the personnel were carefully selected and trained and would only be deployed to any part of the country when their services were needed.

On his part, Lanre Ogunlowo, commissioner of police in charge of SIS, explained that the training of the 169 personnel, which lasted for seven weeks, started in Lagos and ended at Ende Hills.

He further said that the graduates would add to the over 1,000 SIS members operating in eight states of the country.

Mr Ogunlowo noted that these were the first SIS members fully trained by the force and their partners to combat crime and make the country safer and more peaceful.

In her remarks, Imam Suleiman, minister of state of police affairs, appreciated the I-G and his team for the good work they were doing to keep the country safe.

She said that President Bola Tinubu’s administration was in full support of the creation of a special squad to fight insecurity and threats in the country.

Also, Richards Mills, U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, represented by Shaun Galvin, said the U.S. was interested in assisting Nigeria in tackling insecurity.

He said that America would continue to support Nigeria with expertise and logistics to enable it to confront and defeat the elements threatening the security of the nation.

On his part, Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa state lauded the police for establishing the training college in Ende Hills and added that it would assist in addressing insecurity in the country.

(NAN)