Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olukayode Egbetokun has ordered the immediate withdrawal of Police Mobile Force (PMF) personnel from all Very Important Person (VIP) escort and guard duties nationwide. This directive follows public outrage after a viral video surfaced showing a Chinese national distributing cash to officers, raising concerns about professionalism and misuse of resources within the force.
The IGP convened an emergency meeting with PMF commanders at the Force Headquarters in Abuja to address the incident and reaffirm the unit’s core mission. Established as a rapid-response unit to handle riots, emergencies, and internal crises, the PMF has increasingly been assigned to protect private individuals and VIPs, diverting its focus from its primary responsibilities.
Egbetokun emphasized that the original mandate of the PMF has been compromised, with many personnel now serving as escorts or aides to private individuals. He stated, “While we understand the pressures driving this demand, we must not lose sight of our principal responsibilities. The diversion of tactical assets weakens our capacity where they are most needed.”
To address these concerns, the IGP has implemented several measures:
– Immediate Withdrawal: All PMF personnel attached to VIPs are to be reassigned to core operational duties.
– Combat-Ready Units: Each PMF squadron is required to maintain at least one fully equipped, combat-ready unit on standby at all times to support state commands in urgent situations.
– Quarterly Training: Officers will undergo quarterly training sessions focusing on operational proficiency, ethics, professionalism, and responsible policing.
– Strategic Realignment: The force will review and reduce squadron sizes to ensure operational effectiveness and agility.
Egbetokun also acknowledged the persistent unprofessional conduct of some officers, despite previous reform efforts. He declared, “Indiscipline and misconduct within the PMF will no longer be tolerated. Today marks the beginning of a new era—one defined by accountability, discipline, and a recommitment to our founding values.”
The IGP’s actions aim to restore the PMF’s focus on its primary duties and rebuild public trust in the Nigeria Police Force. The force has pledged to enforce these reforms strictly and transparently, ensuring that officers are held accountable for their actions.
