IGP Egbetokun Orders Nationwide Withdrawal Of Mobile Police Officers Assigned To VIPs

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has directed that all mobile police officers assigned to private individuals and VIPs across Nigeria be withdrawn immediately.

The directive was announced on Tuesday during a meeting with commanders of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

According to police spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi, the IGP emphasized that the PMF, described as the police’s top tactical unit, needs to return to its core duty—handling emergencies, riots, and serious security threats.

Egbetokun criticized the current use of PMF officers for VIP escorts and private security, saying it undermines their real purpose and weakens their effectiveness.

As part of broader reforms, the IGP also introduced new measures such as quarterly training focused on ethics and professionalism.

He ordered that all PMF units be fully equipped and kept in a constant state of readiness.

Egbetokun made it clear that unit commanders will be held responsible for the behavior of their officers.

He encouraged them to take an active role in overseeing their teams through regular inspections and training.

These reforms, he said, aim to restore discipline, protect human rights, and bring the PMF up to international standards.

He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his continued backing and also acknowledged international partners helping to boost the police force’s capabilities.

The IGP urged all PMF leaders to fully support the changes, calling it both a professional duty and a moral obligation.

The statement reads, “INTERNAL SECURITY: IGP REORGANIZES POLICE MOBILE FORCE FOR EFFECTIVENESS

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has announced the immediate reorganization of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) as part of efforts to strengthen internal security and enhance operational readiness.

“The directive was unveiled during a conference with PMF Squadron Commanders at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, on Tuesday, 22nd April, 2025.

The IGP emphasized the need to reposition the PMF in line with its original mandate as the Nigeria Police Force’s elite strike unit, designed to respond swiftly to riots, emergencies, and violent threats.

“He expressed concern over the diversion of PMF personnel to non-core roles, including escort and guard duties for private individuals and VIPs, a trend which has undermined the unit’s effectiveness.

To address this, the IGP has announced a series of measures including the immediate withdrawal of PMF personnel from unauthorized deployments, regular quarterly training focused on ethics and professionalism, and mandatory standby of fully equipped, combat-ready units across all Squadrons for rapid tactical support.

“The IGP also declared that PMF Commanders will be held accountable for the conduct of their personnel and urged them to lead proactively through regular training, inspections, and mentorship aimed at upholding discipline, respect for human rights, and operational excellence.

“Reaffirming the Force’s commitment to restoring the PMF to its rightful role as a disciplined and dependable tactical arm, the IGP highlighted plans to introduce new leadership strategies and capacity-building initiatives designed to meet modern security challenges and align with global best practices.

“The Inspector-General of Police while extending appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his support, acknowledged the critical contributions of the Force’s international partners in enhancing training and technical capacity.

“The IGP charged all PMF Squadron Commanders to embrace the reform as a professional and moral responsibility, reiterating that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to its mandate of safeguarding lives, property, and national security.”

KanyiDaily recalls that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) recently warned against the misuse of Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun’s name and office by officers involved in fraudulent activities.