The Police Mobile Force (PMF) will be removed from VIP escort and guard duties, according to the Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olukayode Egbetokun.
Mr. Egbetokun stated this on Monday in Abuja during a meeting with Police Tactical Commanders.
He stated that the PMF’s responsibilities would be re-evaluated to ensure their effective utilization.
Specifically, we shall effect the withdrawal of PMF personnel from VIP escort and guard duties.
While the protection of dignitaries remains paramount, it is imperative that we realign our priorities to address the escalating security challenges faced by the nation as a whole.
By relieving the PMF of VIP escort and guard duties, we can redirect their focus and efforts toward addressing critical security concerns that affect our communities at large, he said.
According to the IGP, a special committee led by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Operations, has been formed to assess and advise on how the strategy can be implemented smoothly.
He expects the committee to submit its report in two weeks, after which more information will be made available.
According to Mr. Egbetokun, the police will focus on enforcing the law and collaborating to create safe communities and foster an environment in which everyone feels protected and valued.
To support the foregoing strategic plan and make needed manpower available for frontline duties, the withdrawn PMF officers will be replaced by officers of the Special Protection Unit (SPU) only where necessary.
To ensure the smooth implementation of this policy, we will, in consultation with the Police Service Commission, invoke the Supernumerary provision of Sections 23, 24 and 25 of the Police Act 2020.
The Act allows the police to train supernumerary officers specifically for the personal protection duties of individual Nigerians who require their services, he added.
He stated that details of the strategic plan would be made available in the coming weeks and months and that the force would ensure that the policy was strictly implemented in accordance with best practices.
This, he claims, will allow regular police officers to focus more on frontline policing across the country.
Mr. Egbetokun stated that the proposed operational strategies are intended to foster trust, cooperation, and confidence within the Police Force.
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