Nigeria’s Police czar, IGP Kayode Egbetokun (PhD) has ordered the immediate withdrawal of Police Mobile Force (PMF) personnel from escort and guard duties for Very Important Persons (VIPs) across the country.
The IGP said the withdrawal of the Police officers is part of an effort to enhance internal security and reposition the Nigeria Police Force for greater efficiency.
The directive was announced during a conference with PMF Squadron Commanders at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
According to a statement issued by Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Egbetokun emphasized the need to reorganize the PMF to address the growing security challenges in Nigeria.
The IGP expressed concern over the diversion of PMF personnel to non-core roles, such as providing private security for VIPs, which has undermined the unit’s effectiveness in combating crime and maintaining public safety.
Describing the PMF as “the elite tactical arm of the police”, the IGP said the unit must be repositioned to focus on its core mandate of responding swiftly to riots, emergencies, and violent threats.
“The PMF was established to serve as a rapid-response unit for critical security situations, not to perform escort duties for individuals,” Adejobi quoted the IGP as saying.
Egbetokun also announced additional measures, including regular quarterly training programs focused on ethics, professionalism, and combat readiness.
He also mandated that fully equipped, combat-ready units be on standby across all PMF Squadrons to provide rapid tactical support when needed.
According to him, these reforms are aimed at ensuring that the PMF is better positioned to address pressing security issues, such as banditry, kidnapping, and communal clashes.
IGP Egbetokun made it clear that following the withdrawal of police from all VIPs, PMF commanders will be held accountable for the conduct of their personnel.
“Commanders will be held accountable for the conduct of their personnel,” he said while urging them to lead proactively through inspections, training, and mentorship.
This move builds on a similar order issued by Egbetokun in March 2025, when he directed the withdrawal of police officers attached to VIPs without official approval and ordered an audit of personnel and firearms nationwide.
