By Andrew Haruna
Abuja, Nigeria – The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has issued a directive for the immediate withdrawal of Police Mobile Force (PMF) personnel from individuals categorized as Very Important Persons (VIPs), marking a decisive step in ongoing efforts to restructure the operations of the Nigeria Police Force.
Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, announced the development in a statement released on Sunday, noting that the directive is part of a broader reorganisation strategy of the PMF, also known as MOPOL.
According to Adejobi, it is “worrisome” that mobile police officers—who are trained for specialized tactical assignments—have been relegated to non-core duties such as escorting VIPs and guarding private properties. This trend, he stated, undermines the operational integrity and efficiency of the elite unit.
“The PMF was never designed to be a security outfit for individual elites. Its role in counterinsurgency, riot control, and protection of critical infrastructure must be reemphasized,” the statement read.
As part of the IGP’s directive, PMF personnel are to be withdrawn from all unauthorized deployments, and each squadron must maintain fully-equipped, combat-ready standby teams capable of delivering rapid tactical support whenever required.
The Inspector-General also announced that the Nigeria Police Force will begin quarterly training for PMF personnel with emphasis on ethics, professionalism, and operational readiness.
Furthermore, all PMF Squadron Commanders have been placed on notice, with the IGP stressing that they will be held accountable for any misconduct or deviation from the reform mandate.
“This is both a professional and moral responsibility. All Squadron Commanders must lead by example through constant inspection, mentorship, and performance evaluation,” the IGP charged.
The Nigerian Mobile Police Force, or MOPOL, comprises approximately 40,000 personnel across 52 squadrons nationwide. While the unit’s core responsibilities revolve around national security threats, a significant portion of its operatives have long been attached to VIPs, a practice now under sharp review.
The police chief reiterated the force’s commitment to its constitutional mandate of protecting lives and property, emphasizing that reforms will continue in the interest of national security and public trust.
