Police Inspector General Kayode Egbetokun has ordered the immediate evacuation of police mobile forces (PMF) personnel to provide security services to private individuals across Nigeria. The directive was announced on Tuesday at a meeting between Abuja Force Headquarters and PMF Squadron Commanders.
According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi, the IGP stressed the need to reposition the PMF, describing it as an elite tactical department of the police. He said the unit must return to its core mission to deal with riots, emergencies and other threats of violence, rather than deploying escort or guard duties as VIPs and private citizens.
Egbetokun criticized the deployment currently used by PMF operators for private use, calling it a compromise on the effectiveness of the operation of the troops. He stressed that such abuse would undermine the PMF’s ability to perform its main responsibilities.
As part of a broader reform plan, the Chief Police has introduced several measures aimed at promoting professionalism and accountability within the PMF. These include mandatory quarterly training for ethics and professionalism, as well as requirements for all PMF squadrons to maintain backup equipment and combat-ready units at all times.
The IGP warned that the commanders will be responsible for the behavior of the personnel and encouraged them to take a positive attitude through regular inspections, hands-on training and strong guidance. He said the reforms aim to restore discipline, increase respect for human rights and improve the operating standards of the sector in accordance with international best practices.
Egbetokun reiterated the due role of the unit’s commitment to restore the PMF to a disciplined and reliable tactical unit. He also expressed his gratitude to President Bora Tinubu for his consistent support and recognized international partners’ contributions to enhancing the technical capabilities of the police.
He urged all PMF commanders to take not only the reform agenda as a policy directive, but also as a professional and ethical obligation to the country.
