The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the immediate withdrawal of Police Mobile Force (PMF) personnel from unauthorized assignments, particularly VIP escorts, as part of a sweeping police reform agenda aimed at restoring operational discipline and core policing values.
Egbetokun issued the directive on Tuesday during a high-level conference with PMF Squadron Commanders at the Force Headquarters in Abuja. He emphasized that all commanders are responsible for enforcing the new order without delay.
“The foundational mandate of the PMF has been compromised,” the IGP said. “We are initiating a firm but phased withdrawal of our personnel from non-core duties to restore the unit’s integrity and tactical strength.”
Effective immediately, each squadron must maintain at least one combat-ready, fully equipped unit on standby to support state police commands during emergency operations. The size of each squadron will also be reviewed and streamlined to improve responsiveness and agility.
As part of the reforms, all PMF squadrons are now mandated to send a unit for quarterly training focused not only on tactical skills but also on ethics, human rights, and professional conduct.
The IGP warned that commanders would be held vicariously responsible for the actions of their officers, urging them to take proactive leadership through inspections, lectures, and internal training that reinforces discipline and accountability.
“From today, misconduct within the PMF will no longer be tolerated. This marks the beginning of a new era defined by professionalism, responsibility, and a return to our founding values,” Egbetokun stated.
He expressed concern over the rising deployment of PMF personnel as personal security details for individuals, saying this practice weakens the Force’s readiness for real threats and tarnishes its public image.
Egbetokun reaffirmed the elite status of the PMF, describing it as the “strike arm” of the Nigeria Police Force, historically designed to deliver rapid, decisive responses to internal crises, civil unrest, and emergencies.
The IGP also introduced the Special Intervention Squad (SIS), a newly established tactical unit that will operate alongside PMF officers in high-risk zones, including the Northeast, Northwest, and North-Central regions.
Highlighting increased threats from separatists, bandits, and terrorist groups across the country, Egbetokun emphasized the urgent need for synergy between all branches of the nation’s security architecture.
“Security is a shared responsibility,” he said. “Our strength lies in unity, collaboration, and mutual respect among all security stakeholders.”
