Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has mandated the immediate cessation of Police Mobile Force (PMF) personnel providing security services to private individuals throughout Nigeria. The order, disclosed on Tuesday, was given during a meeting with PMF squadron commanders at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
In a statement by Force Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi, the IGP underscored the urgency of repositioning the PMF, referring to it as the elite tactical branch of the police. He emphasized that the unit must refocus on its primary role of addressing riots, emergencies, and other violent threats, rather than being assigned to escort or guard duties for VIPs and private citizens.
Egbetokun condemned the existing practice of deploying PMF operatives for private purposes, describing it as a misuse that weakens the operational efficiency of the force. He highlighted that such misallocation hampers the PMF’s ability to carry out its fundamental duties.
As part of a comprehensive reform effort, the police chief introduced several initiatives designed to enhance professionalism and accountability within the PMF. These include compulsory quarterly training emphasizing ethics and professionalism, and the mandate for all PMF squadrons to maintain fully equipped and combat-ready units on standby at all times.
The IGP cautioned that commanders will be held responsible for their personnel’s conduct and urged them to adopt a proactive stance through regular inspections, hands-on training, and robust mentorship. He explained that the reforms aim to reinstate discipline, promote respect for human rights, and elevate the unit’s operational standards to align with global best practices.
Egbetokun reaffirmed the force’s dedication to restoring the PMF to its intended role as a disciplined and dependable tactical unit. He also conveyed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support and recognized the contributions of international partners in enhancing the police force’s technical capabilities.
He called on all PMF commanders to embrace the reform agenda not merely as a policy directive, but as a professional and moral commitment to the nation.
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Nnamdi Okoli
