Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has announced a comprehensive reorganisation of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) aimed at strengthening internal security and improving operational readiness.
This directive was conveyed during a meeting with PMF Squadron Commanders at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.
In a statement shared on X by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP highlighted the importance of repositioning the PMF in line with its original mandate. He stated, “The PMF was established as the Nigeria Police Force’s elite strike unit, designed to respond swiftly to riots, emergencies, and violent threats.”
The IGP expressed his concerns regarding the growing diversion of PMF personnel to non-core duties. He remarked that PMF personnel have increasingly been assigned to “non-core roles, including escort and guard duties for private individuals and VIPs,” which, according to him, “has undermined the unit’s effectiveness.”
In response to these concerns and to rejuvenate the PMF, the IGP announced several crucial measures. He declared that there would be “the immediate withdrawal of PMF personnel from unauthorised deployments.” Additionally, he outlined plans for “regular quarterly training focused on ethics and professionalism” and mandated the “standby of fully equipped, combat-ready units across all Squadrons for rapid tactical support.”
Egbetokun further asserted that PMF commanders would be held accountable for the conduct of their personnel. He urged them to adopt proactive leadership through “regular training, inspections, and mentorship” to ensure the maintenance of “discipline, respect for human rights, and operational excellence.”
The statement reaffirmed the Force’s dedication to restoring the PMF to its designated role as a “disciplined and dependable tactical arm.” The IGP also detailed plans to implement “new leadership strategies and capacity-building initiatives” to prepare the unit to effectively tackle modern security challenges while aligning with global best practices.
Egbetokun extended his gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his support and acknowledged the considerable contributions of the Force’s international partners in enhancing training and technical capacity.
He charged all PMF Squadron Commanders to embrace the reform initiative as a “professional and moral responsibility.” The IGP reiterated the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to its core mandate of “safeguarding lives, property, and national security.”
