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Destiny .M. George
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High-Risk Policing In Nigeria: Understanding The Operations Of Special Forces Units
Introduction
Policing in Nigeria presents unique challenges due to high crime rates, insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping. These challenges have necessitated the establishment of specialized units trained to handle high-risk operations beyond the capacity of regular police officers. Special forces units such as the Police Mobile Force (PMF), Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) (now disbanded), Intelligence Response Team (IRT), and the Special Tactical Squad (STS) have played significant roles in tackling violent crimes across Nigeria.
Understanding the operations of these specialized units provides insight into how they function, their effectiveness, and the controversies surrounding their activities. This article delves into the role, structure, training, and challenges of high-risk policing in Nigeria, shedding light on how special forces units operate to maintain law and order in the country.
The Need for High-Risk Policing in Nigeria
Nigeria's security landscape is marked by violent crimes such as armed robbery, banditry, terrorism, and kidnappings. Regular police officers, often under-equipped and poorly trained for such high-intensity conflicts, struggle to combat these threats effectively. The establishment of special forces units addresses the following concerns:
1. Terrorism and Insurgency – The rise of Boko Haram and ISWAP in the Northeast has necessitated specialized tactical responses beyond conventional policing.
2. Banditry and Kidnapping – North-Western and North-Central Nigeria face rampant banditry and mass kidnappings, requiring specialized rescue and combat teams.
3. Armed Robbery – Urban areas, especially Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, frequently witness violent armed robberies.
4. Political Violence and Civil Unrest – Protests, election-related violence, and communal clashes require riot control and special tactical interventions.
The Nigerian government has responded by equipping and training special units within the police force to handle these high-risk situations.
Special Forces Units in Nigerian Policing
1. Police Mobile Force (PMF)
The Police Mobile Force (PMF) is Nigeria's paramilitary police unit. It is responsible for crowd control, counterinsurgency, and tackling armed criminals. The PMF, popularly called the "Kill-and-Go" squad, has over 100 squadrons deployed nationwide.
Roles and Functions of PMF
Crowd control during protests and civil unrest.
Counterterrorism operations in collaboration with the military.
Escorting VIPs and sensitive government assets.
Supporting conventional police units in high-risk situations.
PMF officers undergo rigorous physical and weapons training to prepare them for high-risk missions. However, the unit has often faced accusations of excessive force, particularly during protest crackdowns.
2. Intelligence Response Team (IRT)
The Intelligence Response Team (IRT) was created to address organized crime, focusing on kidnapping, terrorism, and cybercrime. Led by high-ranking officers, IRT specializes in intelligence gathering, covert operations, and high-stakes arrests.
Notable Achievements of IRT
Captured notorious criminals like Evans the Kidnapper, a Lagos-based kingpin.
Dismantled kidnapping syndicates across Nigeria.
Tracked and apprehended cybercriminals involved in financial fraud.
IRT’s intelligence-driven approach makes it a crucial unit in Nigeria’s high-risk policing landscape. However, its operations are sometimes shrouded in secrecy, raising concerns about human rights violations.
3. Special Tactical Squad (STS)
The Special Tactical Squad (STS) focuses on counterterrorism and hostage rescues. They work closely with the Department of State Services (DSS) and the military.
Core Operations of STS
Counterinsurgency missions against Boko Haram and ISWAP.
Tactical rescues of hostages from kidnappers.
High-profile arrests of criminals and drug lords.
While STS has been effective in combating organized crime, there have been instances of corruption within its ranks, with some officers accused of colluding with criminals.
4. Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU)
The Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU) was established to handle terror-related threats and urban warfare scenarios. Officers in this unit undergo specialized training in anti-terror combat, surveillance, and explosives handling.
Key Roles of CTU
Neutralizing terror threats in urban and rural areas.
Conducting intelligence-led operations to prevent bomb attacks.
Providing security for strategic installations like oil facilities.
Despite its crucial role, the CTU faces funding challenges and logistical constraints that limit its operational effectiveness.
Challenges of High-Risk Policing in Nigeria
While special forces units play a vital role in combating crime, they face several challenges that hinder their efficiency:
1. Corruption and Misconduct
Corruption remains a major issue within Nigeria’s security architecture. Some officers engage in bribery, extortion, and extrajudicial killings, eroding public trust in high-risk policing. The disbandment of SARS in 2020 after widespread allegations of police brutality exemplifies this problem.
2. Lack of Adequate Funding
Many special forces units suffer from poor funding, limiting access to modern weapons, armored vehicles, and communication equipment. Inadequate logistics often force officers to rely on outdated weaponry against well-armed criminals.
3. Human Rights Abuses
High-risk policing has been marred by human rights violations, including unlawful arrests, torture, and killings. Amnesty International and other watchdogs have documented numerous cases of abuse by Nigerian special forces units.
4. Training Gaps and Poor Welfare
While special forces officers receive better training than regular police officers, their welfare remains poor. Low salaries, lack of insurance, and inadequate psychological support lead to low morale and inefficiency.
5. Public Distrust
Due to historical cases of police brutality, extortion, and misconduct, Nigerian citizens often view special forces units with suspicion. The 2020 #EndSARS protests highlighted widespread discontent with high-risk policing.
Improving High-Risk Policing in Nigeria
To enhance the effectiveness of special forces units, the Nigerian government must implement the following reforms:
1. Strengthening Oversight and Accountability
Establishing independent oversight committees to investigate misconduct will help curb abuses within special forces units. Officers found guilty of corruption or brutality should face prosecution.
2. Increased Funding and Modern Equipment
Allocating more resources for weapons, body armor, surveillance drones, and forensic labs will improve the capacity of special units to combat crime effectively.
3. Better Training and Psychological Support
Officers should receive advanced tactical training, including negotiation skills, crisis management, and hostage rescue techniques. Additionally, psychological support programs should be introduced to help officers cope with stress.
4. Community Engagement and Trust-Building
Rebuilding public trust requires community policing initiatives, where officers collaborate with local communities to enhance security. This will encourage intelligence sharing and reduce hostility towards law enforcement.
5. Clear Rules of Engagement
Strict rules of engagement must be enforced to prevent excessive use of force. Body cameras and dashboard cameras should be introduced to enhance transparency.
Conclusion
High-risk policing in Nigeria is a crucial component of law enforcement, given the country’s security challenges. Special forces units such as the PMF, IRT, STS, and CTU play an essential role in combating terrorism, banditry, and organized crime. However, challenges like corruption, human rights violations, and inadequate funding hinder their effectiveness.
To ensure Nigeria’s special forces units operate efficiently and fairly, the government must implement accountability measures, proper training, and adequate funding. With the right reforms, these specialized units can significantly enhance security and restore public trust in Nigerian policing.