The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), has said it would soon withdraw its Special Protection Unit (SPU) and Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) operatives attached to Very Important Persons (VIPs).
The acting Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, who disclosed this at a meeting with Commanders of SPU and CTU, on Wednesday in Abuja, said the decision to withdraw the personnel was aimed at ensuring full mobilisation and deployment of the personnel for the upcoming general elections.
Adamu noted that the force expected the highest level of professionalism from the officers during the elections, as their conduct would be subjected to national and international scrutiny.
According to him, adequate provision has been made for the welfare of policemen while they would be performing their duty during the elections.
The acting Inspector-General of Police further said that the two units were established to complement the Police Mobile Force (PMF), towards supporting conventional police in addressing critical internal security threats and civil disorders.
He also said that personnel of the SPU and CTU were critical components of the broad election security plan of the force, adding that the meeting was basically directed at engaging commanders of the CTU and SPU of the force.
He said: “It is for this reason that you are all invited here to brainstorm and be briefed on the specific roles that you will be expected to perform during the elections.
“The units are expected to provide specialialised protection for the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC) staff, NYSC, among others, during the elections.”
Adamu also held similar strategic meetings with the 36 command Commissioners of Police (CPs), FCT and PMF commanders across the country.
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