IGP Egbetokun Withdraws Police Mobile Force from VIPs, Vows to Restore Tactical Unit’s Core Mandate
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has directed the immediate withdrawal of Police Mobile Force (PMF) operatives attached to VIPs and private individuals across Nigeria.
Speaking at a conference with PMF squadron commanders at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, the IGP emphasized that the PMF—recognized as the police’s elite tactical unit—must be redirected to its original mission of rapid response to riots, emergencies, and violent threats.
Egbetokun voiced concern over the misuse of PMF personnel for escort and guard duties, stating that such deployments have compromised the unit’s operational effectiveness. To address this, he unveiled sweeping reforms targeting professionalism, discipline, and readiness within the PMF.
Key reforms include quarterly ethics and professional training, and a directive for all squadrons to maintain combat-ready teams capable of instant deployment. Commanders will now be held strictly accountable for the conduct and efficiency of their teams, with expectations of continuous training, inspections, and mentorship.
These measures, according to the IGP, align with a broader initiative to elevate policing standards, uphold human rights, and restore public trust. He reaffirmed the leadership’s commitment to positioning the PMF as a disciplined and highly responsive tactical force.
Egbetokun also thanked President Bola Tinubu for his ongoing support and acknowledged the role of international partners in strengthening the force’s technical capabilities. He urged all PMF commanders to adopt the reforms with a sense of duty and moral responsibility.
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