Inspector General of Police orders withdrawal of mobile police officers from VIPs nationwide

Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has ordered the immediate withdrawal of Police Mobile Force (PMF) personnel from providing security services to private individuals across Nigeria. The directive, announced on Tuesday, was issued during a conference with PMF squadron commanders at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

According to a statement by Force Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi, the IGP emphasized the need to reposition the PMF, describing it as the elite tactical arm of the police. He stated that the unit must return to its core mandate of responding to riots, emergencies, and other violent threats, rather than being deployed for escort or guard duties for VIPs and private citizens.

Egbetokun criticised the current deployment of PMF operatives for private use, calling it a distortion that compromises the operational effectiveness of the force. He stressed that such misuse undermines the capacity of the PMF to fulfill its primary responsibilities.

As part of a broader reform initiative, the police chief unveiled several measures aimed at boosting professionalism and accountability within the PMF. These include mandatory quarterly training focused on ethics and professionalism, and the requirement that all PMF squadrons maintain fully equipped and combat-ready units on standby at all times.

The IGP warned that commanders will be held accountable for the conduct of their personnel and encouraged them to take a proactive approach through regular inspections, hands-on training, and strong mentorship. He said the reforms are geared toward restoring discipline, enhancing respect for human rights, and raising the unit’s operational standards in line with international best practices.

Egbetokun reiterated the force’s commitment to restoring the PMF to its rightful role as a disciplined and reliable tactical unit. He also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his consistent support and acknowledged the contributions of international partners in strengthening the police force’s technical capacity.

He urged all PMF commanders to embrace the reform agenda not just as a policy directive, but as a professional and moral obligation to the country.