Etim Ekpimah
The Inspector General of Police, M.A Adamu, on Monday ordered the immediate deployment of Police Intervention and Stabilization Forces to Oyo State to reclaim the public space, reinforce security and bolster public confidence in the areas affected by the recent crisis in the state.
The deployments, consisting largely of intelligence and operational assets of the Force, include four units of the Police Mobile Force (PMF), seasoned operatives from the Force Intelligence Bureau and one operational/surveillance police helicopter from the police Air-wing department.
A statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CP Frank Mba, said the Intervention Force is charged with the responsibility of reinforcing and stabilizing security in the state, preventing further breakdown of law and order, protecting lives and properties, and ultimately enhancing public safety and general security in the state.
“The Intervention Force is being coordinated by a Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIG David Folawiyo, mni, who is expected to mobilize all relevant stakeholders towards achieving the mandate of the squad.
“The IGP assures that the force is committed to the safety of lives and properties of the citizens in the country,” the statement read.
According to the statement, the IGP calls on the citizens, residents of Oyo State, and other Nigerians to embrace peace and cooperate with the police and the security community as they redouble their efforts in ensuring that sustainable peace and security are restored to the affected areas.