Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has ordered the immediate withdrawal of Police Mobile (MOPOL) Force operatives from Very Important Personalities (VIPs) in a decisive move to restructure the Nigeria Police Force.
Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, broke the news in a statement released on Sunday, noting that the directive was part of a broader reorganisation strategy of the PMF, also known as MOPOL.
According to Adejobi, it is “worrisome” that mobile police officers—who are trained for specialised tactical assignments—have been relegated to non-core duties such as escorting VIPs and guarding private properties. This trend, he stated, undermines the operational integrity and efficiency of the elite unit.
“The PMF was never designed to be a security outfit for individual elites. Its role in counterinsurgency, riot control, and protection of critical infrastructure must be reemphasised,” the statement read.
As part of the IGP’s directive, PMF personnel are to be withdrawn from all unauthorised deployments, and each squadron must maintain fully-equipped, combat-ready standby teams capable of delivering rapid tactical support whenever required.
The Inspector-General also announced that the Nigeria Police Force will begin quarterly training for PMF personnel with emphasis on ethics, professionalism, and operational readiness.
Furthermore, all PMF Squadron Commanders have been placed on notice, with the IGP stressing that they will be held accountable for any misconduct or deviation from the reform mandate.
“This is both a professional and moral responsibility. All Squadron Commanders must lead by example through constant inspection, mentorship, and performance evaluation,” the IGP charged.
The Nigerian Mobile Police Force, or MOPOL, comprises approximately 40,000 personnel across 52 squadrons nationwide. While the unit’s core responsibilities revolve around national security threats, a significant portion of its operatives have long been attached to VIPs, a practice now under sharp review.
The police chief reiterated the force’s commitment to its constitutional mandate of protecting lives and property, emphasising that reforms will continue in the interest of national security and public trust.
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Wike: Okowa’s Defection To APC Vindicates My Opposition To Atiku
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Nyesom Wike, has lauded the former Governor of Delta State and 2023 Peoples Democratic Party PDP Vice Presidential Candidate, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, for supporting President Bola Tinubu, saying Okowa’s defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress APC has vindicated his (Wike’s) political stance in the last general election.
Wike in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka on Wednesday night in Abuja, said he has now been vindicated, following his decision not to support the 2023 PDP Presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.
He said; “It is another endorsement of the President’s good governance and commitment to the development of the country.”
Wike called on other Nigerians who are still sitting on the fence to throw in their support for the President.
The Minister described the open endorsement of the President by Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, who was the Running Mate to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, as “a vindication of the position I took in 2023, which was based on the interest of a united Nigeria.
“I commend Dr Okowa and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for this heart-warming decision, which must have been informed by good governance and commitment of President Bola Tinubu to the oneness and development of Nigeria.
“That is what I have always told people to come out and say, not when they have problems and begin to run up and down.
“They have come out at the right time to show support for the President so that the people of Niger Delta can benefit more from the government, and I commend them.
“I am particularly happy that what I saw before the 2023 Presidential election, others are now seeing and are joining the Renewed Hope train.”
