Police convoys must now obey traffic rules – New IGP orders

The acting Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, has issued a directive mandating all police convoys to strictly adhere to traffic regulations.

During a meeting with the Mobile Police Squadron and commanders at the Force headquarters in Abuja, the IG emphasized the importance of leading by example to earn the respect of the general public. He assured that he would personally observe all traffic rules and urged others to do the same.

Addressing the gathering, Egbetokun stated, “Let me end this speech by reminding you that those who keep the peace must be the epitome of peace. Those whose duty it is to enforce the laws of the land must themselves respect and obey the laws of the land. Without obeying the laws, the Police lack the moral high ground to interrogate and bring lawbreakers to book.”

To demonstrate his commitment to building a rule of law-compliant Police Force, the IG directed that all police convoys on routine, non-emergency movements must henceforth obey traffic lights and other traffic rules. He emphasized his intention to lead by example in this regard.

Furthermore, the IG announced the creation of a new special squad called the Special Intervention Squad, comprising 40,000 specially trained officers selected from the existing Police Mobile Force personnel and tactical units across the country.

Elaborating on the squad, Egbetokun explained, “The Special Intervention Squad will consist of 40,000 specially trained elite officers. The Squad will be formed by selecting officers from the pool of existing Police Mobile Force personnel and all tactical units in the country.”

He highlighted the intensive pre-deployment training these officers would undergo to ensure their readiness for frontline operational duties in states facing unrest and turmoil. By combining the expertise and experience of the Police Mobile Force personnel and other tactical units, the IG aims to establish a formidable force capable of effectively addressing evolving security challenges.

Egbetokun revealed that 1,000 personnel from the Special Intervention Squad would be deployed to every state of the Federation as standby intervention units. The remaining officers would be assigned to more troubled areas or zones. Their primary focus will be intercepting and neutralizing high-profile criminals and individuals terrorizing communities. These officers will undergo daily training to remain combat-ready for immediate response to any situation in their assigned states.