The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Tuesday said that directives had already been issued concerning the withdrawal of Police Mobile Force (PMF) personnel from unauthorised deployments.
He also stated that it is the duty of all Police Mobile Force Squadron Commanders to enforce this directive without delay, adding that a firm but gradual withdrawal from non-core assignments is underway.
Egbetokun, who gave this directive on Tuesday during the IGP Conference with Police Mobile Force Squadron Commanders at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, also noted that concurrently, squadron sizes will be reviewed and reduced to ensure operational effectiveness and agility.
The IGP regretted that the foundational mandate has, over time, been severely compromised, stressing that a significant number of PMF personnel are currently deployed as escorts, guards, or aides to private individuals and VIPs.
He further stated that, effective immediately, all PMF Squadrons are directed to maintain at least one fully equipped, combat-ready unit on standby at all times.
These units, he said, must be prepared to support their respective State Commands in any situation requiring urgent tactical intervention.
“Additionally, each Squadron will be required to send one unit for training every quarter. These sessions will go beyond operational proficiency, placing strong emphasis on ethics, professionalism, and the principles of responsible policing.
“From this moment, PMF Commanders will be held vicariously responsible for the conduct of their personnel. You are expected to lead proactively through regular lectures, inspections, and localised training programmes that reinforce discipline, respect for human rights, and operational excellence.
“We must all rise to this challenge and take collective ownership of the task of restoring the lost prestige of the Police Mobile Force. The PMF must once again emerge as the elite tactical unit it was intended to be—disciplined, professional, and always ready to defend the nation. Their continued deployment alongside the military in the Northeast, Northwest, and other strategic areas will now be further supported by the newly established Special Intervention Squad (SIS).”
He said that the PMF was established as the strike arm of the Nigeria Police Force, an elite tactical unit created to respond rapidly and decisively to riots, emergencies, and internal crises.
He averred that historically, it served as the ultimate resource during moments of unrest, providing critical support to State Commands during high-risk operations.
According to him, “While we understand the pressures driving this demand, we must not lose sight of our principal responsibilities. The diversion of tactical assets weakens our capacity where they are most needed. Even more concerning is the persistent misconduct by a few individuals, despite repeated efforts by the leadership to enforce professionalism on such assignments. These unacceptable behaviours have not only discredited the Force but have unfairly overshadowed the honourable service of countless officers. This must come to an end.
“Let me be unequivocal: moving forward, 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.”
He therefore said that, against the backdrop of escalating and coordinated attacks on security personnel—whether from separatist elements in the Southeast, bandits in the North-Central and Northwest, or terrorist groups in the Northeast, the urgency for a united, cohesive front cannot be overstated.
Stressing that security is a shared responsibility, the IGP said that their success depends on deepening trust, respect, and cooperation with all sister security agencies.
Linus Aleke
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