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Tag: PMF

  • Withdrawal of mobile police from VIPs stands firm – Ag IGP

    Withdrawal of mobile police from VIPs stands firm – Ag IGP

    The Nigeria Police Force has insisted not to reverse its earlier policy and decision of withdrawing Police Mobile Force, (PMF)  personnel from  important personalities.

    Recall that the Acting Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, had promised to remove PMF from  VIPs, however promised to protect them.

    It said recent news circulating regarding the possible reversal of the PMF reform policy was untrue.

    CSP Muyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer,  in a statement yesterday, said: “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.”

  • Police Mobile Force personnel to be withdrawn from VIPs – IGP

    Police Mobile Force personnel to be withdrawn from VIPs – IGP

    The Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Olukayode Egbetokun said personnel of the Police Mobile Force (PMF)  would be withdrawn from VIPs escort and guard duties.

    Egbetokun said this on Monday in Abuja at a conference  with the Police Tactical Commanders.

    He said the force would re-evaluate the responsibilities of the PMF to ensure their effective utilisation.

    “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,” he said.

    The I-G said a special committee headed by Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Operations had been set up to assess and advise on how the strategy could be implemented seamlessly.

    According to him, the committee is expected to submit its report in two weeks after which further details will be made available.

    Egbetokun said the focus of the police would be to enforce the law and be partners in creating safe communities and nurturing an environment where everyone would feel protected and valued.

    “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 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.

    According to him, this will free up regular police officers to focus more on frontline policing duties across the nation.

    Egbetokun said the proposed operational strategies was aimed at fostering trust, cooperation and confidence within the Police Force.