By Wilson Adekumola
The Acting Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, has disclosed that personnel of the Police Mobile Force attached to VIPs and guard duties should be withdrawn.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the IGP made this disclosure on Monday in Abuja at a conference with the Police Tactical Commanders.
He stated the force would reexamine the responsibilities of the PMF to ensure they are judiciously utilized.
He said, “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.”
The IGP explained that special committee headed by Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Operations had been set up to evaluate and give useful advice on how the strategy could be implemented effectively.
He said the committee is expected to submit its report in two weeks after which further details will be made available.
The police boss noted that 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“To support the foregoing strategic plan and make needed manpower available for frontline duties, the withdrawn PMF officers will be replaced by officers of the Special Protection Unit only where necessary.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.
While stating that the details of the strategic plan would be presented in the weeks and months ahead, he said the force would ensure that the policy was implemented strictly in line with best practices.
Egbetokun assured that this will free up regular police officers to focus more on frontline policing duties across the nation.
He added that the proposed operational strategies was targeted at promoting trust, cooperation and confidence within the Police Force.
Source: NAN
