IGP Egbetokun Announces Sweeping Changes In Police Mobile Force Unit For Effectiveness • Withdraws personnel from unauthorized deployments, Commanders to be accountable for subordinates misconduct
By Trek Africa Newspaper
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has announced the immediate reorganization of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) as part of efforts to strengthen internal security and enhance operational readiness. The directive was unveiled during a conference with PMF Squadron Commanders at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, on Tuesday, 22nd April, 2025.
The IGP emphasized the need to reposition the PMF in line with its original mandate as the Nigeria Police Force’s elite strike unit, designed to respond swiftly to riots, emergencies, and violent threats. He expressed concern over the diversion of PMF personnel to non-core roles, including escort and guard duties for private individuals and VIPs, a trend which has undermined the unit’s effectiveness.
To address this, the IGP has announced a series of measures including the immediate withdrawal of PMF personnel from unauthorized deployments, regular quarterly training focused on ethics and professionalism, and mandatory standby of fully equipped, combat-ready units across all Squadrons for rapid tactical support.
The IGP also declared that PMF Commanders will be held accountable for the conduct of their personnel and urged them to lead proactively through regular training, inspections, and mentorship aimed at upholding discipline, respect for human rights, and operational excellence.
Reaffirming the Force’s commitment to restoring the PMF to its rightful role as a disciplined and dependable tactical arm, the IGP highlighted plans to introduce new leadership strategies and capacity-building initiatives designed to meet modern security challenges and align with global best practices.
The Inspector-General of Police while extending appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his support, acknowledged the critical contributions of the Force’s international partners in enhancing training and technical capacity. The IGP charged all PMF Squadron Commanders to embrace the reform as a professional and moral responsibility, reiterating that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to its mandate of safeguarding lives, property, and national security.
It would be recalled that a Chinese national featured in a viral video involving an interaction with Nigerian Mobile Police (MOPOL) officers in Kaduna, an incident that attracted public concerns.
The video, which circulated widely on social media, sparked controversy as it appeared to show members of a Chinese delegation in close interaction with armed officers—leading to speculation of possible bribery or misconduct.
The Nigeria Police Force thereafter condemned the conduct of its officers captured in the viral video receiving money from a Chinese national, describing their actions as “unprofessional and unethical.”
The incident, which sparked widespread outrage online, prompted the force headquarters to identify the officers involved and initiate disciplinary proceedings.
