IGP Egbetokun orders withdrawal of mobile police personnel from VIPs

The Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olukayode Egbetokun, has announced the withdrawal of personnel from the Police Mobile Force (PMF) from VIPs escort and guard duties. The decision was made during a conference with Police Tactical Commanders in Abuja, PulseNets reports.

The IGP emphasized the need to re-evaluate the roles of the PMF to ensure their effective utilization. He stated that while the protection of dignitaries remains important, it is crucial to realign priorities to address the escalating security challenges faced by the entire nation. By relieving the PMF of VIP escort and guard duties, their focus can be redirected towards addressing critical security concerns affecting communities at large.

He said,

“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.”

To facilitate a seamless implementation of this strategy, a special committee headed by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Operations, has been established. The committee’s mandate is to assess and provide recommendations on how to execute the plan effectively. A report from the committee is expected within two weeks, after which further details will be disclosed.

The IGP reiterated that the primary focus of the police force is to enforce the law, create safe communities, and foster an environment where everyone feels protected and valued. To ensure adequate manpower for frontline duties, PMF officers will be replaced by officers from the Special Protection Unit (SPU) where necessary.

In implementing this policy, the police will consult with the Police Service Commission to invoke the Supernumerary provision of Sections 23, 24, and 25 of the Police Act 2020. This provision enables the training of supernumerary officers specifically for the personal protection duties of individual Nigerians who require their services.

“To support the foregoing strategic plan and make needed manpower available for frontline duties, the withdrawn PMF officers will be replaced by officers of the Special Protection Unit (SPU) only where necessary.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

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The details of the strategic plan will be unveiled in the coming weeks and months. The police force is committed to implementing the policy strictly in accordance with best practices. This decision aims to free up regular police officers to focus more on frontline policing duties nationwide, while fostering trust, cooperation, and confidence within the Police Force.