Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector-General of Police (IGP), has ordered the immediate withdrawal of police mobile force (PMF) personnel from private individuals across the country.
Gatekeepers News reports that this was announced in a statement on Tuesday by Muyiwa Adejobi, the force spokesperson.
Adejobi noted that the IGP issued the directive during a conference with PMF squadron commanders at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
Describing it as the elite tactical arm of the police, the IGP said PMF must be repositioned to focus on its core mandate of responding swiftly to riots, emergencies, and violent threats.
He decried the assignment of PMF operatives to escort and guard duties for VIPs and private individuals, saying it is a distortion that weakens operational effectiveness.
Egbetokun also unveiled a series of reforms, including quarterly ethics and professionalism training, and the mandatory standby of fully equipped, combat-ready units in all squadrons.
The IGP noted that commanders will be held accountable for the conduct of their personnel, and urged them to lead proactively through inspections, training, and mentorship.
He added that the reforms are part of a broader effort to restore discipline, uphold human rights, and raise operational standards in line with global best practices.
Egbetokun reaffirmed the force’s commitment to restoring the PMF to its designated role as a
disciplined and dependable tactical arm.
He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmrf Tinubu for his continued support and acknowledged the role of international partners in strengthening the force’s technical capacity.
The IGP urged all PMF commanders to embrace the reform as a professional and moral responsibility.
