The decision to withdraw personnel of the Nigeria Police Mobile Force, PMF, attached to Very Important Personalities, VIP, for deployment on strictly operational duties is sacrosanct, Acting Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has said.
In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, Police Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the clarification became necessary following recent news in circulation on a possible reversal of the PMF reform policy.
The statement reads:
“The Nigeria Police Force hereby addresses recent news circulating regarding the possible reversal of the PMF reform policy and the decision of Acting Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, to withdraw Police Mobile Force (PMF) personnel from certain important personalities. The Force wishes to clarify that the decision to withdraw the PMF personnel from escort and guard duties stands firm, and there will be no going back on this critical policy change.
“The withdrawal process has already commenced with a comprehensive report, which has been submitted by the constituted committee assigned to oversee the seamless implementation of this directive; and the IGP has activated the mobilization process for the establishment of the Police Quick Intervention Squad which precedes the withdrawal policy. The decision to withdraw Police Mobile Force personnel from VIP duties is part of ongoing efforts to optimize the allocation of resources and enhance the efficiency of the Nigeria Police Force in its core mandate of safeguarding the lives and properties of all citizens.
“While poised to ensure a smooth transition, the Nigeria Police Force is committed to providing adequate security arrangements for VIPs who are entitled to such protection. Meanwhile, the Force will carefully consider the provisions of Sections 23 to 25 of the Police Act 2020, in recruiting more supernumerary officers, to handle VIP security responsibilities. No VIP or critical infrastructure will be left unprotected as a result of the new policy.
“The Inspector-General of Police remains resolute in his pursuit of reforms and initiatives that will enhance the professionalism and public trust in the Nigeria Police Force. The decision to withdraw Police Mobile Force personnel from VIPs is driven by the need to create a more robust, efficient, and people-centered police force that caters to the security needs of all citizens equally. The IGP, therefore, urges the public and all stakeholders to support and cooperate with the Nigeria Police Force during this transition period to strengthen the security apparatus and create a safer environment for everyone to thrive”.
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