Police Form Special Squad to Address Plateau Attacks
As part of the intervention to address insecurity in the state, the Nigeria Police Force has established a Special Operation Squad, which would begin work immediately in Plateau State.
Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector General of Police, revealed this on Friday at the Government House in Jos during a condolence visit to Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang over the recent attacks that resulted in about 195 deaths and several injuries.
“Our tactical unit will be deployed further.” We are dispatching our tactical unit as well as our intelligence unit to support you. You should be aware that we mean business when you see the IGP visiting with DIG operations and DIG intelligence and the zone’s DIG escorting them.
“On the plateau, a special operation will begin immediately.” This extraordinary operation will serve as the foundation for our special intervention squad. When I last saw you, I told you about our plans to establish a special intervention squad in ten pilot states across Nigeria, with Plateau State being one of them.
“With this special operation that begins today, we are technically flagging off the operation of our special intervention squad,” IGP Egbetokun explained.
He called on the people of the state to join him in the fight against criminals, adding that it is a war that requires everyone’s help to win.
“With the cooperation of the people of Plateau, a solution is in sight. I want to appeal to the people of Plateau to cooperate with the security agencies, support them with information, and actively take part.
“These criminals have declared war on our state, and we will all fight this war together.” We should not regard this battle as a war against the Fulanis; we should not see it as a struggle against any tribe in Nigeria; it is a war against the criminals; it is a war against enemies of our country,” he stated.
The IGP is in Plateau State to assess the security situation and ensure that the areas affected, particularly by recent attacks, are secure and free of criminals.
On Christmas Eve, gunmen attacked Bokkos and nearby parts of Plateau State, killing over 190 people, injuring many more, and destroying buildings and properties.
The attacks began in the Bokkos neighbourhood and spread to Barkin Ladi.
Before the IGP’s visit, yet another community came under attack in the same Bokkos Local Government on Thursday night.
The marauders attacked, destroyed, and burned down houses, but no one was killed.