The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has announced the immediate reorganisation of the Police Mobile Force, aiming to bolster internal security and enhance operational readiness.
This directive was issued during a conference with PMF Squadron Commanders at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.
According to a statement released on X by Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP emphasised the need to reposition the PMF in alignment with its original mandate.
The PMF was established as the Nigeria Police Force’s “elite strike unit, designed to respond swiftly to riots, emergencies, and violent threats.”
The IG expressed concern over the diversion of PMF personnel to non-core duties.
He noted that PMF personnel have been increasingly assigned to “non-core roles, including escort and guard duties for private individuals and VIPs,” a trend that, according to the IGP, “has undermined the unit’s effectiveness.”
To address these concerns and revitalise the PMF, the IG announced a series of key measures.
He stated that there would be “the immediate withdrawal of PMF personnel from unauthorised deployments.”
He also announced “regular quarterly training focused on ethics and professionalism” and the “mandatory standby of fully equipped, combat-ready units across all Squadrons for rapid tactical support.”
Egbetokun further declared that PMF commanders will 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 commitment to restoring the PMF to its designated role as a “disciplined and dependable tactical arm.”
The IGP also outlined plans to introduce “new leadership strategies and capacity-building initiatives” to equip the unit to effectively address modern security challenges and align with global best practices.
Egbetokun thanked President Bola Tinubu for his support and acknowledged the significant contributions of the Force’s international partners in enhancing training and technical capacity.
The IG charged all PMF Squadron Commanders to embrace the reform initiative as a “professional and moral responsibility.”
He reiterated the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to its core mandate of “safeguarding lives, property, and national security.”
