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By Lizzy Chirkpi
In a decisive move aimed at refocusing the elite Police Mobile Force (PMF) on its core mandate, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has announced the immediate withdrawal of PMF personnel from Very Important Personalities (VIPs).
The directive, unveiled during a conference with PMF Squadron Commanders at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, signals a significant shift in the deployment strategy of the highly trained unit.
The IGP minced no words in expressing his concern over the prevalent practice of assigning PMF operatives to non-essential duties, particularly acting as escorts and guards for private individuals and VIPs.
Egbetokun stated that the diversion of manpower has severely hampered the PMF’s ability to function effectively as the Nigeria Police Force’s primary strike unit is designed to swiftly and decisively address critical internal security threats such as riots, emergencies, and violent outbreaks.
The withdrawal of mobile police personnel is a central pillar of a broader reorganization effort aimed at strengthening internal security and enhancing the overall operational readiness of the police force.
Egbetokun at the event, underscored the urgent need to realign the PMF with its foundational purpose, ensuring that its specialized skills and combat readiness are readily available for national security imperatives rather than individual assignments.
The implications of this directive are far-reaching. It suggests a renewed commitment by the police leadership to prioritize the collective security of the nation over the personalized security details often afforded to prominent individuals.
While the press release did not detail alternative security arrangements for VIPs, the IGP’s emphasis on the PMF’s original role strongly indicates a strategic redeployment of these officers to bolster rapid response capabilities across the country.
Furthermore, the announcement includes measures to prevent future deviations from the PMF’s core responsibilities. Regular quarterly training focusing on ethics and professionalism, coupled with the mandatory standby of fully equipped, combat-ready units in all Squadrons, are intended to ensure the PMF remains a highly disciplined and readily deployable tactical arm.
The IGP also made it clear that PMF Commanders will be held directly responsible for the conduct and deployment of their officers, signaling a new era of accountability within the unit.
By centralizing the deployment of this elite unit, the police leadership is aiming to create a more agile and responsive force capable of addressing internal security threats with greater efficiency and impact.