News

IGP Egbetokun Creates 40,000-man Intervention Squad For Deployment Nationwide

Published

2 years ago

June 26, 2023

Against the backdrop of continued security challenges, Acting Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun has announced the creation of a new Special Intervention Squad comprising 40,000 specially trained elite officers.

He said, “In light of the current challenges, a series of operational strategies have been developed which is aimed at strengthening our capabilities to effectively deliver our mandates. Some of these will be discussed in this conference in a bid to kick-start the process of regaining our pride of place in the internal security architecture of our dear country.

“Our objective is to assess, discuss and implement crucial operational strategies that will enhance our law enforcement capabilities and safeguard the lives and property of our citizens.

Speaking during a meeting with Squadron, SPU, and Tactical Commanders in Abuja, he said, “The Squad will be formed by selecting officers from the pool of existing Police Mobile Force (PMF) personnel and all tactical units in the country.

“These officers will undergo intensive pre-deployment training to make them combat-ready for frontline operational duties in all the states of the Federation, with a particular focus on areas plagued with unrest and turmoil.

“By pooling together the expertise and experience of our PMF personnel and other tactical units, we can establish a formidable force that is well-equipped to handle the evolving challenges we face.

“This dedicated force will bolster our capacity to respond swiftly and decisively to security threats, ensuring that our presence is felt and our response is effective in every corner of our country.

“One thousand personnel from this new squad will be deployed to every state of the Federation for immediate operations as standby intervention units, while more troubled spots or zones will receive the remaining officers out of the 40,000.

“These officers will not perform routine police duties but will be housed and kept combat-ready at all times engaging in daily trainings in readiness for deployments to intercept and neutralize high-profile criminals and those terrorizing our communities.

“They will be deployed to intervene rapidly and proactively in any situation necessary in their states of assignment.

All Tactical Commanders will be involved in the process of identifying suitable candidates from within their respective units.

“These individuals should possess the necessary skills, agility, experience, character, and commitment to excel in the challenging and demanding environments they will encounter.

“The new special squad will be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to combat evolving criminal activities, insurgency, and other security threats especially the activities of non-state actors.

“We will henceforth be more proactive and be ready to take the fight to the criminals’ den.

“Furthermore, in order to optimize the efficiency of our resources, we shall carry out a re-evaluation of the responsibilities assigned to the PMF. Specifically, we shall effect the withdrawal of PMF personnel from VIP escort/guard duties.

“While the protection of dignitaries remains paramount, it is imperative that we realign our priorities to address the escalating security challenges faced by the nation as a whole.

“By relieving the PMF of VIP escort and guard duties, we can redirect their focus and efforts toward addressing critical concerns that affect our at large.

“To this end, a special committee headed by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (Operations) has been set up to assess and advise on how this strategy can be implemented seamlessly.

“The committee is expected to submit its report in two weeks after which further d1etails will be made available. Our goal should be to enforce the law and to be partners in creating safe communities, nurturing an environment where everyone feels protected and valued.

“This is our commitment to Nigerians.

To support the foregoing strategic plan and make needed manpower available for frontline duties, the withdrawn PMF officers will be replaced by officers of the Special Protection Unit (SPU) only where necessary.

“To ensure the smooth implementation of this policy, we will, in consultation with the Police Service Commission, invoke the Supernumerary provision of Sections 23, 24 and 25 of the Police Act 2020 which allows the police to train supernumerary officers specifically for the personal protection duties of individual Nigerians who require their services.

‘We will make details of this available in the weeks and months ahead; while making sure the policy is implemented strictly in accordance with best practices.

“This will free up regular police officers to focus more on frontline policing duties across the nation.

“It is important to note that these proposed operational strategies aim to foster a sense of trust, cooperation, and confidence within the Police Force. By involving personnel from various tactical units across the country, we emphasize the unity and collective responsibility of our Force.

“Through this collaborative effort, we can ensure that no area is left unattended, and all states receive the necessary support to combat crime effectively.

“These strategies will definitely require extra support, will, and resources from the government. I am gladdened by the commitment of the government to support our efforts to restore enduring peace to every community in Nigeria.

“At this point, I will like to thank Mr. President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR; for his passion for Police welfare, support and commitment to repositioning the Police Force for effective delivery of our constitutional mandates.

“The proposed operational strategies presented here today seek to optimize our resources, enhance our capabilities, and reinforce our commitment to public safety.

“By creating a new special squad from our existing pool of PMF officers, withdrawing PMF from VIP escort duties, up-scaling the role of SPU and including Supernumerary Officers in VIP security, we can strengthen the effectiveness of our Police Force and ensure a safer environment for all citizens.”

News

‘EFCC Collected N10m Before They Released Me’ – Oladips Alleges [VIDEO]

Published

24 minutes ago

October 31, 2025

Editor

Popular Nigerian singer, Oladips has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, of collecting N10 million from him.

The rapper made this known nearly a year after he was arrested by EFCC during a midnight raid in his estate.

Oladips was arrested with some of his neighbors for alleged fraud in November 2024.

He was released after spending five days in detention.

Speaking about his experience with the EFCC, Oladips in his latest interview on Trending podcast, stated that nothing was found on him after the EFCC investigations.

While revealing that the EFCC collected N10 million from him before his release, he lamented that “Nigeria just happened to me”.

“It’s just one smelling place like that. They just packed us there like sardines and they gave us nonsense food. Funny enough it was Zlatan that was sending me food. Zlatan is not even a friend, that’s my blood.

“He was sending someone to buy good food for me because the food there is bad. They just packed us there like sardines. I’m not even supposed to be there first of all. Like, why did I spend four to five days there when you people (EFCC) didn’t find anything on me, not even a single thing. And they still collect N10 million from me before they released me.”

When asked “Is it a thing you can take up against the EFCC later, or you will just allow the sleeping dog lie?”, the singer responded “Who is my father?”

“Who is my father now? At the end of the day, who is my father? It’s just me and my truth. It’s not something I will want to. I don’t just know how the system works. I for dey their page now if to say I dey do Yahoo. They didn’t find anything on me. If they are watching this, they know that I’m saying the truth.

“They collected money from me before they released me. They didn’t find anything on me. So, what was the money for? What was all that stress and suffering for? It’s just Nigeria. Nigeria just happened to me,” he said.

https://x.com/i/status/1983504280972615813

News

Bank MD Jailed Five Years For N32m Fraud

Published

2 hours ago

October 31, 2025

Editor

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has secured a five-year conviction of a former Managing Director of Bonghe Micro Finance Bank, Grace Karka, for her role in a N32m fraud, with an option of fine.

The PUNCH learnt in a statement by the EFCC on Thursday that the agency received a petition from the bank alleging that the defendant transferred N32m while she was the bank’s MD to an unknown account.

The statement noted that the petitioner said the fraudulent act was discovered during an audit of the bank’s account domiciled with a commercial bank.

She was subsequently arraigned before Justice Benjamin Lawan Manji of the Adamawa State High Court on counts of criminal conspiracy and cheating.

One of the charges read: “That you, Grace Andreas Karka and Prince Moses Batalu, between August 2020 and March 2021 in Yola, Adamawa State, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did agree amongst yourselves to do an illegal act, to wit theft of N66,792,960.00 from Bonghe Micro Finance Bank Nigeria Limited (account number 2013668857 domiciled with First Bank Nigeria Limited) by dishonestly moving the said sum without necessary approval, contrary to Section 61(2) of the Adamawa State Penal Code Law 2018.”

According to the statement, the defendant was arraigned in November 2024, but she pleaded not guilty, which led to a full trial.

The EFCC said during the trial, the prosecutor presented witnesses and tendered several documents, while the defendant presented three witnesses.

Following the trial, the judge found the defendant guilty and sentenced her to five years’ imprisonment.

“Justice Manji, on October 17, 2025, while delivering judgment, said the prosecution proved the case beyond a reasonable doubt and convicted the defendant accordingly on counts one and two.

“The judge also sentenced Karka to five years’ imprisonment with an option of N3m each on counts one and two. The sentence is to run concurrently.

“In addition, the court ordered the convict to restitute the balance of N29,877,040 to the petitioner,” the statement added.

This is not the first time a former bank MD has been jailed for fraud.

News

Edo Lauds Germany On Partnership To Boost Creative Community

Published

2 hours ago

October 31, 2025

Editor

The Edo state government has commended Germany’s Filmakademie on its partnership to boost the state’s creative community.

The government noted that the plan by the German outfit to use Edo artefacts as basis for harnessing potentials would no doubt impact positively on the state’s creative sector.

The state’s deputy governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa said this when he hosted the German Filmakademie, Ludwigsburg in Benin on Friday.

In a press statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Friday Aghedo, the deputy governor, who commended Filmakademie for choosing to partner with the state, said that the collaboration will open channel for the training of filmmakers in the state.

The Filmakademie team led by the Director, Entertainment and Creative Economy, Edo Creative Hub, Amb. Solomon Okosun, said that the partnership aligned with policy direction of Governor Monday Okpebholo on creative industry.

Idahosa announced, “Senator Okpebholo is a fantastic and people oriented Governor; a visionary leader that believes in the gifts and potentials of Edo people.

“Exposure to documentary filmmaking and observance of international filmmaking standards through the interface of Edo State trainees with counterparts/students from the German Filmakademie would boost further film production and content creation.

“This will be based on present training of participants on the rudiments of cinematography, film production, film editing, and directing.

“The exposure will enable them gain invaluable skills at story telling and weaving beautiful stories which showcase the rich arts and cultural heritage of Edo State and its people,” he explained.

Idahosa commended the efforts of the two finalists who would make it through to the German Filmakademie after a rigorous three weeks training/workshop, Idahosa urged

“such participants should hone their skills, influence their peers, and push the content and quality of Edo state filmmakers to international standards,” he said.

Idahosa nonetheless appreciated the Director, Edo Creative Hub for collaborating with the foreign film academy, which has helped to expose talented youths from the three senatorial zones.

He advised the beneficiaries to take the training seriously.

According to him, “I expect and encourage participants who have benefitted from this programme to take it very seriously.

“This is because, if the opportunity is given and two of you decide to go to Germany to learn this high profile skills in the movie industry, you will not just keep those opportunities for yourself, you will come back and affect your brothers and sisters, you left behind, thereby, giving more opportunities to our people.

“Our dream is to have a lot of people, God has given potentials to, in the entertainment industry.”

He assured of government’s support to the state’s entertainment industry through the German Filmakademie, in order to help grow the industry in the state.

He told his visitors that the state is safe and prepared to welcome investors from any part of the world.

On his part, the director, Edo Creative Hub stated that as one of its collaborators, the German Filmakademie came into Edo state to prepare trainees for the AFFRIFF/Nollywood Film Workshop.

He said the best two persons that emege from the participants after the workshop would be sponsored to Germany for further studies.

He said, “After a three weeks stay in Benin, trainees would head to Lagos State for the AFRIFF Film Festival haven learnt how to shoot documentaries, training on how to use the high end “ARRI ALEXA 35″ cinematography camera.”

Project Manager, Nollywood Workshop, 2025, from the Filmakademie, Ludwigsburg, Germany, Abel Alechenu, an alumnus of the Filmakademie said over the past two years, indigenes of Edo State have come to the Filmakademie to study under the four months programme and then, came back home to pass on the knowledge to others.

He said, “This year, the Filmakademie chose to promote the rich cultural heritage of the Benin people.

“We have been to the National Museum, and to Igun Street, to know the process and see the artefacts and those who created them. It is really a connecting point for both of us.”