Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has directed an end to the unauthorised deployment of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) and the total reorganisation of the unit to strengthen internal security and enhance operations.
The IGP stressed the need to realign the PMF with its original mandate as the Nigeria Police Force’s “elite strike unit, designed to respond swiftly to riots, emergencies, and violent threats,” and not for unconventional duties.
The directives were given during a conference with PMF Squadron Commanders at the Force headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.
The IGP expressed concern that PMF personnel have been diverted to non-core roles, such as “escort and guard duties for private individuals and VIPs’” weakening the unit’s effectiveness.
To address this issue and revitalise the PMF, Egbetokun outlined several measures, including the “immediate withdrawal of PMF personnel from unauthorised deployments”, “quarterly training focused on ethics and professionalism”, and the “mandatory standby of fully equipped, combat-ready units across all squadrons for rapid tactical support”.
He warned that PMF commanders would be held accountable for their personnel’s conduct. He urged them to adopt proactive leadership through “regular training, inspections, and mentorship” to ensure “discipline, respect for human rights, and operational excellence.”
Egbetokun reaffirmed the police’s commitment to restoring the PMF as a disciplined and dependable tactical arm.
He revealed plans to introduce “new leadership strategies and capacity-building initiatives” to equip the unit to tackle modern security challenges and align with global best practices.
The reforms aim to address systemic corruption and ensure the PMF focuses on its core mandate of safeguarding lives and property.
