The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has ordered the immediate reorganization of the Police Mobile Force (PMF), marking a significant shift in the operations of the nation’s elite tactical unit. The sweeping directive was announced on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, during a strategic conference with PMF Squadron Commanders at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
The IGP emphasized that the Police Mobile Force must return to its core mandate as the Nigeria Police Force’s frontline response unit against riots, violent crimes, and emergencies. He decried the growing trend of diverting PMF officers to non-essential roles, such as escorting VIPs and serving in private guard capacities, calling it a major factor in the unit’s declining operational effectiveness.
In what security analysts are describing as one of the most ambitious police reforms in recent years, the IGP announced the immediate withdrawal of PMF personnel from unauthorized deployments. He also mandated regular quarterly training sessions focused on ethics, professionalism, and tactical preparedness. All PMF Squadrons are now required to maintain combat-ready units on standby to respond rapidly to emerging threats nationwide.
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Under the new directive, commanders will be held directly accountable for the behavior and performance of their personnel. IGP Egbetokun stressed the need for proactive leadership, regular field inspections, and hands-on mentorship to reinforce discipline and a culture of respect for human rights among PMF operatives.
Reaffirming his vision to reposition the PMF as a world-class strike force, the IGP disclosed plans to introduce leadership upgrades and new capacity-building initiatives to address evolving security challenges. These changes, he noted, are aligned with global best practices in modern law enforcement.
IGP Egbetokun extended his gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his unwavering support for security sector reforms. He also acknowledged the vital role of international partners in providing advanced training and technical assistance to the Police Force. He urged all PMF Squadron Commanders to embrace the reforms as both a professional duty and a moral obligation, reaffirming that the Nigeria Police Force is fully committed to its constitutional mandate to protect lives, property, and national stability.
