The Federal Government has removed Mobile Police Force troops assigned to many Very Important People, including previous governors, ministers, and MPs.
The directive, conveyed in a police wireless transmission from Mopol 45 Force Headquarters in Abuja, affected Daura Buhari, former President Muhammadu Buhari’s brother, as well as former First Lady Aisha Buhari’s sibling and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha.
The news comes just a few weeks after the Inspector General promised to remove Police Mobile Force members from VIP escort and guard responsibilities.
He also announced intentions to form the Special Intervention Squad, which would consist of 40,000 highly trained police personnel, including officers from the Police Mobile Force.
The IG stated that this would allow the police to reclaim their place in the country’s “internal security architecture.”
Egbetokun stated on June 26 during a meeting with Squadron leaders and Tactical Commanders in Abuja, “We shall effect the withdrawal of PMF personnel from VIP escort/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.
“In a bid to kick-start the process of regaining our pride of place in the internal security architecture of our dear country first and foremost, modalities for the creation of a new special squad – the Special Intervention Squad have been initiated.
“This special squad shall consist of 40,000 specially trained elite officers. The Squad will be formed by selecting officers from the pool of existing Police Mobile Force personnel and all tactical units in the country.
“These officers will undergo intensive pre-deployment training to make them combat-ready for frontline operational duties in all the states of the Federation, with a particular focus on areas plagued with unrest and turmoil.
“By pooling together the expertise and experience of our PMF personnel and other tactical units, we can establish a formidable force that is well-equipped to handle the evolving challenges we face.”
Egbetokun established a committee led by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (Operations), Adeleke Bode, to examine and advise on how to execute the new regulations smoothly.
