IG Orders withdrawal of Mobile Police Officers from VIPs Nationwide

By Reporter

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the immediate withdrawal of police mobile force (PMF) personnel from private individuals across the country.

A statement by Muyiwa Adejobi, the force spokesperson, said Egbetokun issued the directive on Tuesday during a conference with PMF squadron commanders at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

Describing the PMF as “the elite tactical arm of the police”, the IGP said the unit must be repositioned to focus on its core mandate of responding swiftly to riots, emergencies, and violent threats.

He decried the assignment of PMF operatives to escort and guard duties for VIPs and private individuals, calling it a “distortion that weakens operational effectiveness”.

Egbetokun also unveiled a series of reforms, including quarterly ethics and professionalism training, and the mandatory standby of fully equipped, combat-ready units in all squadrons.

“Commanders will be held accountable for the conduct of their personnel,” he said, while urging them to lead proactively through inspections, training, and mentorship.

The IGP noted that the reforms are part of a broader effort to restore discipline, uphold human rights, and raise operational standards in line with global best practices.

He reaffirmed the force’s commitment to restoring the PMF to its designated role as a “disciplined and dependable tactical arm”.

Egbetokun expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his continued support and acknowledged the role of international partners in strengthening the force’s technical capacity.

He also asked all PMF commanders to embrace the reform as a “professional and moral responsibility.

Read Also: ‘Take it Back’ Protest: Police, Protesters Head for showdown in Lagos, Abuja, Other Cities