…orders withdrawal of MOPOL from VIP escort duties
The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has directed the immediate withdrawal of Mobile Police Officers from non-essential deployments amid escalating violence in several regions of the country.
The directive aims to refocus the Police Mobile Force (PMF) on its core mandate of responding to emergencies and internal crises.
The directive was issued during a meeting with Police Mobile Force (PMF) Squadron Commanders, convened at the Force Headquarters Abuja, to review operational strategies for addressing the escalating insecurity across the country.
“Directives have already been issued concerning the withdrawal of PMF personnel from unauthorized deployments. All commanders are to enforce this directive without delay. A firm but gradual withdrawal from non-core assignments is underway.” He said. Continuing, IGP Egbetokun hinted that PMF squadrons would be streamlined for operational efficiency.
The IGP lamented that PMF’s original purpose as a tactical unit had been compromised, with many personnel deployed as escorts or guards for private individuals and VIPs. “This diversion weakens our capacity to respond where needed most,” he noted.
While expressing concern over persistent misconduct by some officers on such assignments, the IGP noted that these actions have tarnished the image of the Force.
“Indiscipline and misconduct within the PMF will no longer be tolerated. Today marks the beginning of a new era—one defined by accountability, discipline, and a recommitment to our founding values,” Egbetokun declared.
“To enhance effectiveness, each PMF squadron must maintain a combat-ready unit on standby and undergo quarterly training on ethics, professionalism, and responsible policing. Commanders will be held accountable for their personnel’s conduct.
“We are injecting new leadership perspectives and continuous capacity-building to restore the PMF to its rightful role in internal security and tactical excellence.
“Commanders will be held vicariously accountable for the conduct of their personnel and are expected to lead through regular lectures, inspections, and localized training programs that reinforce discipline and human rights.
“The PMF must once again emerge as the elite tactical unit it was intended to be—disciplined, professional, and ready to defend the nation,” Egbetokun said.
While speaking on the growing trend of coordinated attacks on security forces, the IGP advocated for a unified security approach, announcing that the new Special Intervention Squad (SIS) will bolster Police Mobile Force (PMF) deployments in conflict areas.
“Security is a shared responsibility. Our success depends on trust, respect, and cooperation with all sister security agencies.” He said.
IGP Egbetokun further hinted that the Police Force will undergo a major overhaul of the Police Mobile Force (PMG), notably reducing VIP escort duties and more on combating violent crimes and safeguarding national security.
“Our focus now is on combating violent crimes and safeguarding national security. We are injecting new leadership perspectives and continuous capacity-building to restore the PMF to its rightful role in internal security and tactical excellence.” He said.
