The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has directed the immediate withdrawal of Police Mobile Force (PMF) officers from escorting Very Important Persons (VIPs) across Nigeria.
This move is part of a broader effort to reposition the Mobile Police Force to focus strictly on its core mandate: providing swift tactical response to riots, emergencies, and violent crimes.
The announcement was made on April 22, 2025, by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi.
According to the IGP, the deployment of PMF personnel for VIP protection deviated from their intended role as an elite strike force. To correct this, the following measures have been ordered:
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Immediate removal of PMF officers from unauthorized VIP duties.
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Mandatory quarterly training sessions emphasizing ethics, professionalism, and operational readiness.
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Establishment of combat-ready standby units across all PMF squadrons for rapid response to security threats.
The IGP also stressed that PMF commanders would be held accountable for ensuring full compliance with these reforms.
Additionally, he reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to global standards of policing, citing plans to strengthen leadership training and capacity development within the PMF.
IGP Egbetokun expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and Nigeria’s international partners for their continued support in improving the operational capabilities of the police.
Notably, this is not the first time the IGP has moved to limit the use of police resources for VIP security.
