Nigerian Inspector-General Egbetokun Orders Withdrawal Of Police Mobile Force From Private Escort Duties

IGP lamented the gradual diversion of PMF personnel into non‑core assignments, particularly private and VIP escort duties, which he said had undermined the unit’s operational vigour.

The Nigeria Police Force under Inspector General of Police (IGP) Olukayode Egbetokun, has announced a sweeping reorganisation of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) to bolster internal security and sharpen its rapid‑response capabilities.

The directive, contained in a statement signed by Force Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi, was given at a conference with PMF Squadron Commanders at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, 22 April 2025.

In his address, the IGP lamented the gradual diversion of PMF personnel into non‑core assignments, particularly private and VIP escort duties, which he said had undermined the unit’s operational vigour.

He reiterated that the PMF was conceived as the elite strike arm of the Nigeria Police Force, entrusted with quelling riots, managing emergencies and confronting violent threats with speed and precision.

To remedy these deviations, the IGP announced that all PMF officers currently engaged in unauthorised deployments would be withdrawn immediately.

He further mandated regular quarterly training sessions centred on ethics and professionalism, and ordered that fully equipped, combat‑ready units be kept on constant standby across every Squadron to ensure rapid tactical support.

“To address this, the IGP has announced a series of measures including the immediate withdrawal of PMF personnel from unauthorised deployments, regular quarterly training focused on ethics and professionalism, and mandatory standby of fully equipped, combat-ready units across all Squadrons for rapid tactical support.

The IGP also declared that PMF Commanders will be held accountable for the conduct of their personnel and urged them to lead proactively through regular training, inspections, and mentorship aimed at upholding discipline, respect for human rights, and operational excellence.”

“Reaffirming the Force’s commitment to restoring the PMF to its rightful role as a disciplined and dependable tactical arm, the IGP highlighted plans to introduce new leadership strategies and capacity-building initiatives designed to meet modern security challenges and align with global best practices.”

The IGP charged all PMF Squadron Commanders to embrace the reform as a professional and moral responsibility, reiterating that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to its mandate of safeguarding lives, property, and national security.”