The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris, has deployed Police Special Tactical Force, comprising Police Mobile Force, Counter Terrorism Units, Conventional Policemen, Special Anti Robbery Squad, SIB, detachment of EOD, Police K9 (Sniffer Dogs Section), Police Air wing (Aerial Surveillance Helicopters) and other undercover operatives with their Headquarters in Zaki Biam, Ukum LGA, Benue State.
The IGP’s move follows the killings of innocent people by unknown gunmen who invaded the community in Benue State on Monday.
The Police Special Tactical Force is led by the Commissioner of Police in charge of PMF, Force Headquarters, Abuja under the supervision of Deputy Inspector General of Police, Department of Operations.
“To achieve success of the operations, the Police Special Tactical Force will be proactive, work on actionable intelligence already at the disposal of the Nigeria Police Force, and carry out massive deployment, and 24-hour surveillance and patrol, continuous raids of identified and other suspected hideouts of the assailants, with a view to arrest promptly the attackers and their sponsors to prevent further loss of lives and nip in the bud the senseless killings and other criminalities in the general area,” spokesman for the Police, CSP, Jimoh Moshood said in a statement.
“The deployment of the Police Special Tactical Force personnel will cover all the communities, towns, villages, vulnerable points, Government and private infrastructures and facilities in the area.”
He revealed that police helicopters will embark on guided missions and aerial surveillance of the entire area, most especially difficult terrains and will operate in synergy with other Police formations on the ground.
He also said the Joint Investigation Team attached to the Police Special Tactical Force is made up Personnel of Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department, FSARS, SIP, Intelligence Response Team, Technical Intelligence Unit and Special Tactical Squad headed by an experienced Commissioner of Police under the supervision of Deputy Inspector General of Police (FCIID) are already in Zaki Biam and are making progress in the investigation into the killings of innocent people that occurred on Monday 20th March, 2017.
He added: “The Inspector General of Police hereby urges traditional rulers, religious leaders, public office holders, politicians, opinion leaders, parents and guardians to prevail on their subjects and the youths to exercise restraint and support the personnel of the Police Special Tactical Force in the discharge of their responsibilities to bring the perpetrators of this gruesome killings to justice.”
He assured Nigerians of the commitment of the police to their safety and security.
