Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has ordered the immediate withdrawal of Police Mobile Force (PMF) officers assigned to private individuals and VIPs across the country.
The directive was announced on Tuesday by Force spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi following a meeting between the IGP and PMF squadron commanders at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
Egbetokun emphasized that the PMF, regarded as the elite tactical unit of the police, must be refocused on its primary duties — rapid response to riots, emergencies, and violent threats. He criticized the routine deployment of PMF operatives for personal security duties, describing it as a misuse of resources that compromises the unit’s effectiveness.
As part of broader reforms, the IGP also introduced initiatives such as quarterly training on ethics and professionalism, and the requirement for all squadrons to maintain fully equipped, combat-ready standby units. He stressed that commanders would be held accountable for the behavior and performance of their personnel and urged them to take an active leadership role through regular inspections, mentorship, and hands-on training.
The reforms are aimed at restoring discipline, protecting human rights, and elevating operational standards in line with international best practices. Egbetokun reaffirmed the police force’s commitment to repositioning the PMF as a reliable and disciplined tactical unit.
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his continued support and acknowledged the contributions of international partners in enhancing the police force’s technical capabilities. The IGP called on all PMF commanders to see the reforms as both a professional duty and a moral imperative.
