The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has directed all Police Mobile Force (PMF) squadrons nationwide to maintain at least one fully equipped, combat-ready unit on constant standby, with immediate effect.
The directive, issued during a meeting with Squadron Commanders in Abuja on Tuesday, is part of renewed efforts to strengthen the operational capacity of the PMF and improve rapid response to emergencies and high-risk situations.
“The PMF was created as a strike force—to be swift, decisive, and combat-ready,” Egbetokun stated. “Effective immediately, all PMF squadrons are directed to maintain at least one fully equipped, combat-ready unit on standby at all times.”
He said the units must be ever-prepared to provide tactical support to their respective state commands during crises or any situation requiring urgent intervention.
To enhance professionalism and accountability, Egbetokun also announced that each squadron must send at least one unit for quarterly training, which will focus not only on operational skills but also on ethics, professionalism, and responsible policing.
As part of broader reforms, the IG revealed that PMF squadron sizes would be reviewed and streamlined to improve agility and efficiency. He warned that commanders would now be held vicariously accountable for the actions of their personnel.
“From this moment, PMF commanders will be held responsible for the conduct of their officers. You are expected to lead proactively through regular lectures, inspections, and localised training that reinforce discipline, respect for human rights, and operational excellence,” he said.
Egbetokun also restated the directive on the withdrawal of PMF officers from unauthorised escort duties, describing such deployments as detrimental to the tactical effectiveness of the force.
“Commanders must enforce this withdrawal without delay,” he said. “A firm but gradual disengagement from non-core assignments is underway. The focus now is to redirect our resources toward combating violent crime and safeguarding national security.”
The police chief further emphasised that indiscipline within the PMF would no longer be tolerated.
“The values, standards, and discipline that once defined the mobile police must be restored,” Egbetokun declared. “As the striking arm of the Nigerian Police Force, the PMF carries immense responsibility to confront armed threats, insurgency, and criminal violence with integrity and courage.”
He concluded by assuring that new leadership strategies, operational reforms, and capacity-building programmes would be introduced to reposition the PMF as a formidable force in Nigeria’s internal security architecture.
