IGP chides PMF commanders over Chinese national’s cash handout to officers

Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Tuesday rebuked the Commanders of Police Mobile Force, over inappropriate deployment of the personnel attached to the unit.

Egbetokun also ordered that henceforth, officers attached to the unit would not be attached to any Very Important Personalities (VIPs) in society, noting that the aim of establishing the unit had already been derailed.

The police boss spoke at Force Headquarters, Abuja during an emergency meeting he had with the commanders following an outrage that greeted how a Chinese national in a viral video publicly shared a token amount of money to the officers.

The IGP had earlier summoned the mobile police officers involved in what Nigerians described as “shameful” to the force, and accordingly sanctioned them, it was learnt.

Recall that the MOPOL was established as the strike arm of the Nigeria Police Force—an elite tactical unit created to respond rapidly and decisively to riots, emergencies, and internal crises.

The PMS has also always served as the ultimate resource during moments of unrest, providing critical support to state police commands during high-risk operations such as the ones experienced in Benue, Plateau and other states recently.

While speaking before the meeting went into a closed-door, Egbetokun said he summoned the PMF commanders to remind them of the original vision of the unit, adding that the force would not lose sight of its principal responsibilities.

The IGP said, “Regrettably, that foundational mandate has, over time, been severely compromised. A significant number of PMF personnel are currently deployed as escorts, guards or aides to private individuals and VIPs.

“While we understand the pressures driving this demand, we must not lose sight of our principal responsibilities. The diversion of tactical assets weakens our capacity where they are most needed.”

The IGP noted that all his efforts and that of the management team to reform the force had been met with persistent unprofessionalism of the police officers in the country.

He said directives have already been given to the commanders to withdraw all the mobile police attached to the VIPs with the immediate effect, saying they must ensure strict compliance with the order.

Egbetokun added, “Even more concerning is the persistent misconduct by a few individuals—despite repeated efforts by the leadership to enforce professionalism on such assignments.

“Let me be unequivocal: moving forward, indiscipline and misconduct within the PMF will no longer be tolerated. Today marks the beginning of a new era—one defined by accountability, discipline, and a recommitment to our founding values.

“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.

“As you are aware, directives have already been issued concerning the withdrawal of PMF personnel from unauthorized 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. Concurrently, squadron sizes will be reviewed and reduced to ensure operational effectiveness and agility.”