The priority now is to refocus our strength and personnel towards combating violent crimes and safeguarding national security.
Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector-General of Police, issued an order on Tuesday to immediately deploy a special team in order to combat the escalating wave of violence.
This order came amid rising insecurity across the country. According to Egbetokun, the current goal is to redirect resources and manpower towards protecting the nation from violent crimes and ensuring its security.
He issued orders to all squadrons of the Police Mobile Force, instructing them to maintain a constant standby of at least one fully outfitted and combat-ready unit.
As a result of recent attacks by bandits in the states of Kwara, Benue, and Sokoto, Egbetokun issued the command on Tuesday during a meeting with Squadron Commanders in Abuja.
IGP said, “The PMF was created as a strike force – to be swift, decisive and combat-ready. Effective immediately, all PMF squadrons are directed to maintain at least one fully equipped, combat-ready unit on standby at all times.
“These units must be prepared to support their respective state commands in any situation requiring urgent tactical intervention. Additionally, each squadron will be required to send one unit for training every quarter.
“These sessions will go beyond operational proficiency, placing strong emphasis on ethics, professionalism and the principles of responsible policing.
“Currently, squadron sizes will be reviewed and reduced to ensure operational effectiveness and agility. From this moment, PMF commanders will be held vicariously responsible for the conduct of their personnel.
“You are expected to lead proactively through regular lectures, inspections and localised training programmes that reinforce discipline, respect for human rights and operational excellence.
“As you are aware, directives have already been issued concerning the withdrawal of PMF personnel from authorised deployments. It is the duty of all commanders to enforce this directive without delay. A firm but gradual withdrawal from non-core assignments is underway.
“The priority now is to refocus our strength and personnel towards combating violent crimes and safeguarding national security. We will also inject new leadership perspectives, strategic approaches and continuous capacity-building initiatives aimed at restoring the PMF to its rightful place as a dominant force in internal security and a model of tactical excellence.
“The Nigeria Police Force will no longer allow the values, standards and discipline that once defined the police mobile force to be undermined.
“As a strike force of the Nigerian Police Force, the PMF carries an immense responsibility to confront armed threats, insurgency and criminal violence with integrity and courage.”