In a bold and unprecedented move, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the immediate withdrawal of Police Mobile Force (PMF) personnel assigned to private individuals and VIPs across Nigeria.
This directive, issued on April 22, 2025, was made public during a high-level meeting with PMF Squadron Commanders at the Force Headquarters in Abuja. According to the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, the decision is part of a broader effort to reposition the Police Mobile Force to align with its core operational responsibilities.
The IGP emphasized that the PMF must return to its original mandate — tackling violent crimes, supporting tactical operations, and enhancing national security. He described the current deployment of PMF operatives to protect VIPs as a misuse of critical resources in the face of mounting security challenges across the country.
“This is not just a directive; it is a strategic shift in the operational focus of the Nigeria Police Force,” Egbetokun stated. “We must ensure that our officers are deployed where they are most needed — to safeguard public safety and restore citizens’ confidence in our security architecture.”
The announcement has already generated widespread reactions, with some stakeholders praising the move as long overdue, while others have raised concerns about the potential vulnerability of high-profile individuals who have relied on police protection.
Security analysts say the policy, if implemented effectively, could signal a new era of prioritizing community and national security over private interests. However, they caution that adequate structures must be in place to prevent the emergence of illegal private security arrangements that could arise in response.
The Force Headquarters has assured the public that the implementation of this directive will be immediate, systematic, and transparent, with measures in place to ensure minimal disruption.
This development marks one of the most significant reforms in Nigeria’s policing structure in recent times, signaling the IGP’s commitment to a more accountable, focused, and community
