IGP Olukayode Egbetokun, the Acting Inspector-General of Police, has said personnel of the Nigeria Police Mobile Force (PMF) would be withdrawn from VIP escort and guard duties.
Egbetokun stated this on Monday in Abuja during a conference with the Police Tactical Commanders.
Egbetokun said the force would re-assess the responsibilities of the PMF to ensure optimum utilization.
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”.
Egbetokun stated that a special committee presided over by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Operations, had been set up to examine and advise on how the strategy could be implemented seamlessly.
The committee’s report is expected in two weeks, after which further details will be made available.
He further added that the withdrawal of the PMF officers from VIPs is a step to support the needed manpower available in frontline duties.
“To support the foregoing strategic plan and make needed manpower available for frontline duties, the withdrawn PMF officers will be replaced by officers of the Special Protection Unit (SPU) only where necessary.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 argued that this will free up regular police officers to focus more on frontline policing duties across the nation.
He said details of the strategic plan would be made available in the weeks and months ahead, adding that the force would ensure that the policy was implemented strictly in accordance with best practices.
Egbetokun said the proposed operational strategies were aimed at fostering trust, cooperation, and confidence within the Police Force.
He stated that more information about the strategic plan would be made available in the coming weeks and months and that the force would guarantee that the policy was strictly executed in accordance with best practices.
