IGP Egbetokun Moves To Withdraw Mobile Police Force From VIPs

The Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olukayode Egbetokun, has said that even though the protection of dignitaries remains paramount, it was imperative that the Nigeria Police Force must realign its priorities to address the escalating security challenges faced by the nation as a whole.

Towards this end, the Acting IGP said that personnel of the Police Mobile Force shall be withdrawn from VIPs escort and guard duties and made to focu more in addressing critical security concerns that affect local communities in the country.

He said that the move would free up regular police officers to focus more on frontline policing duties across the nation, saying that the proposed operational strategies was aimed at fostering trust, cooperation and confidence within the Police Force.

IGP Egbetokun, who stated these at a conference with the Police Tactical Commanders in Abuja on Monday, June, 26, 2023, said the Force high command would re-evaluate the responsibilities of the Police Mobile Force with a view to ensure their effective utilisation.

In the words of Egbetokun; “Specifically, we shall effect the withdrawal of PMF personnel from VIP escort and guard duties. 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”.

The new police boss announced that a special committee headed by Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Operations had been set up to assess and advise on how the strategy could be implemented seamlessly, adding that the committee is expected to submit its report within two weeks to allow for further details to be made available.

He also said that the focus of the police would be to enforce the law and be partners in creating safe communities and nurturing an environment where everyone would feel protected and valued.

IGP Egbetokun further said that to support the foregoing strategic plan and make the needed manpower available for frontline duties, the withdrawn PMF officers will be replaced by officers of the Special Protection Unit (SPU) only where necessary.

In his words; “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.