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Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Olukayode Egbetokun, said personnel of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) would be withdrawn from VIPs escort and guard duties.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 IGP 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“To support the foregoing strategic plan and make needed manpower available for frontline duties, the withdrawn PMF officers will be replaced by officers of the Special Protection Unit (SPU) only where necessary.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.
Meanwhile, Egbetokun said 40,000 specially trained elite officers would be deployed to the newly created Special Intervention Squad.
He said the Squad would consist of selected officers from the pool of existing PMF personnel and other tactical units.
According to him, the officers will undergo intensive pre-deployment training to make them combat ready for frontline operational duties in all states of the federation.
He said that the squad would be deployed to areas plagued by unrest and turmoil in the country.
“By pooling together the expertise and experience of our PMF personnel and other tactical units, we can establish a formidable force that is well-equipped to handle the evolving challenges we face.
“This dedicated force will bolster our capacity to respond swiftly and decisively to security threats, ensuring that our presence is felt and our response is effective in every corner of our country,” the IGP said.
Egbetokun explained that 1,000 personnel from the new squad would be deployed to each state as standby intervention unit.
The IGP added that the remaining members of the squad would be deployed to more troubled areas.
According to him, the officers will not perform routine police duties but will be housed and kept combat-ready at all times, only engaging in daily trainings in readiness for deployment.
He said the idea was to get the officers ready to intercept and neutralise high-profile criminals terrorising communities.
“They will be deployed to intervene rapidly and proactively in any situation necessary in their states of assignment.
“All Tactical Commanders will be involved in the process of identifying suitable candidates from within their respective units.
“These individuals should possess the necessary skills, agility, experience, character and commitment to excel in the challenging and demanding environments they will encounter,” he said.
Egbetokun assured that the new special squad would be equipped with knowledge and skills to combat evolving criminalities, including insurgency and other security threats.
