The Inspector-Common of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the speedy withdrawal of cellular law enforcement officials from Very Necessary Individuals (VIPs).
The motion that follows the announcement of the reorganization of the Police Cell Power (PMF) is a part of efforts to strengthen inside safety and improve operational readiness.
This disclosure is contained in a press assertion issued by the Power Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.
In response to Adejobi, the IGP emphasised the necessity to reposition the PMF in step with its authentic mandate because the Nigeria Police Power’s elite strike unit, designed to reply swiftly to riots, emergencies, and violent threats.
Adejobi famous that the IGP expressed concern over the diversion of PMF personnel to non-core roles, together with escort and guard duties for personal people and VIPs, an motion that undermines the unit’s effectiveness.
The police spokesperson stated, ‘’The Inspector-Common of Police, IGP Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has introduced the speedy reorganization of the Police Cell Power (PMF) as a part of efforts to strengthen inside safety and improve operational readiness. The directive was unveiled throughout a convention with PMF Squadron Commanders on the Power Headquarters, Abuja, on Tuesday, twenty second April, 2025.
‘’The IGP emphasised the necessity to reposition the PMF in step with its authentic mandate because the Nigeria Police Power’s elite strike unit, designed to reply swiftly to riots, emergencies, and violent threats. He expressed concern over the diversion of PMF personnel to non-core roles, together with escort and guard duties for personal people and VIPs, a pattern which has undermined the unit’s effectiveness.
‘’To handle this, the IGP has introduced a sequence of measures together with the speedy withdrawal of PMF personnel from unauthorized deployments, common quarterly coaching targeted on ethics and professionalism, and obligatory standby of totally outfitted, combat-ready models throughout all Squadrons for speedy tactical help.’’
Adejobi famous within the assertion that the IGP had declared that every one PMF Commanders will probably be held accountable for the conduct of their personnel.
IGP Egbetokun, nevertheless, urged them to steer proactively via common coaching, inspections, and mentorship aimed toward upholding self-discipline, respect for human rights, and operational excellence.
The assertion added, ‘’Reaffirming the Power’s dedication to restoring the PMF to its rightful position as a disciplined and reliable tactical arm, the IGP highlighted plans to introduce new management methods and capacity-building initiatives designed to fulfill trendy safety challenges and align with international finest practices.
‘’The Inspector-Common of Police, whereas extending appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his help, acknowledged the vital contributions of the Power’s worldwide companions in enhancing coaching and technical capability. The IGP charged all PMF Squadron Commanders to embrace the reform as knowledgeable and ethical accountability, reiterating that the Nigeria Police Power stays dedicated to its mandate of safeguarding lives, property, and nationwide safety.’’
This isn’t the primary time that IGP Egbetokun has ordered the withdrawal of cellular law enforcement officials from VIPs. Recall that on June 26, 2023, as appearing IGP, Egbetokun, had directed that personnel of the Police Cell Power (PMF) would now not perform VIP escort and guard duties.
He stated a particular committee has been created to judge the methods and the way they are going to be enforced, including that the crew could be headed by the deputy inspector-general of police.
He additionally identified that officers of the Particular Safety Unit (SPU) will substitute the PMF officers in obligatory areas.
