IGP to withdraw Mobile Force from VIPs, create special squad

Olukayode Egbetokun, the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), has announced that the Police Mobile Force (PMF) will no longer perform VIP escort and protection tasks.

At a meeting with Police Tactical Commanders on Monday in Abuja, Mr. Egbetokun made this statement.

He said that in order to ensure their efficient use, the PMF’s tasks would be reviewed.

Specifically, we shall effect the withdrawal of PMF personnel from VIP escort and guard duties.

While the protection of dignitaries remains paramount, it is imperative that we realign our priorities to address the escalating security challenges faced by the nation as a whole.

By relieving the PMF of VIP escort and guard duties, we can redirect their focus and efforts toward addressing critical security concerns that affect our communities at large, he said.

A special committee headed by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Operations, has been established, according to the IGP, to evaluate and provide advice on how the strategy may be successfully executed.

In two weeks, the committee is supposed to turn in its report, at which point more details will be released.

The police, in the opinion of Mr. Egbetokun, will concentrate on upholding the law, working with others to establish secure neighborhoods, and fostering an environment in which everyone feels protected and valued.

To support the foregoing strategic plan and make needed manpower available for frontline duties, the withdrawn PMF officers will be replaced by officers of the Special Protection Unit (SPU) only where necessary.

To ensure the smooth implementation of this policy, we will, in consultation with the Police Service Commission, invoke the Supernumerary provision of Sections 23, 24 and 25 of the Police Act 2020.

The Act allows the police to train supernumerary officers specifically for the personal protection duties of individual Nigerians who require their services, he added.

He stated that details of the strategic plan would be made available in the coming weeks and months and that the force would ensure that the policy was strictly implemented in accordance with best practices.