The Acting Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun said Mobile Policemen attached to VIPs and companies were withdraw because of the abuse of officers.
The withdrawal followed the setting up of a Special Intervention Squad for quick and rapid response to tackle criminality across the country.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, ‘The incessant abuse of police officers attached to certain individuals and companies on guard or escort duty has become worrisome and detestable, particularly to the present leadership.
“The decision to withdraw PMF personnel from VIPs and establish a Special Intervention Squad is aimed at ensuring a more inclusive and effective security framework that caters to the needs of all Nigerians rather than a select few.
“This strategic shift in approach recognizes the importance of equal access to security services for all citizens and seeks to enhance the overall safety and well-being of the Nigerian populace”.
The FPRO gave the explanation In a statement titled ‘Proposed Withdrawal of PMF Personnel from VIPs, Establishment of Special Intervention Squad: A Workable and Unudual Process’ on Thursday.
He said, “The appointment of Acting Inspector-General of Police, Ag. IGP Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun has definitely changed the rhythm of Police tradition most especially on certain administrative and operational engagements which will surely trigger a paradigm shift for the betterment of our internal security architecture.
“In his maiden speech, Ag. IGP Egbetokun christened himself a lion and tiger ready to devour criminals in Nigeria, and he matched his words with actions by rolling out his strategic action plans including the establishment of a Special Intervention Squad that will be deployed to the 36 states of the federation including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and other areas prone to terrorists attacks.
“It has however become pertinent to critically analyze the recent developments regarding the proposed withdrawal of Police Mobile Force (PMF) personnel from Very Important Persons (VIPs) to form the Special Intervention Squad announced by the Acting Inspector General of Police.
“One will ordinarily think Egbetokun’s pronouncement is as usual, like preceding announcements by previous IGP’s, which never saw the light of the day, or were never complied with by officers and men on the field.
“It is imperative to state categorically that this policy is not a regular procedure as the Ag. IGP’s approach includes the setting up of a committee to guide the process and the exploration of the use of supernumerary officers, in line with the provisions of Sections 23 to 25 of the Police Act 2020.
“The incessant abuse of police officers attached to certain individuals and companies on guard or escort duty has become worrisome and detestable, particularly to the present leadership.
“This necessitates the drive to not only deploy these officers for strategic police assignments, but to also sanitize the police, review the process and deployment of men on VIP guards, in order to restore the dignity of the personnel in particular, and the NPF in general.
“The decision to withdraw PMF personnel from VIPs and establish a Special Intervention Squad is aimed at ensuring a more inclusive and effective security framework that caters to the needs of all Nigerians rather than a select few.
‘This strategic shift in approach recognizes the importance of equal access to security services for all citizens and seeks to enhance the overall safety and well-being of the Nigerian populace.
“The current leadership possesses the requisite zeal to enforce the directive and monitor the withdrawal process, ensuring it is seamless while gradually moving away from individual protection to collective general social safety.
“By establishing a committee to guide the process headed by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of operations, the IGP is demonstrating a commitment to transparency, accountability, and actualization of the policy for improved public safety.
“This committee will oversee the implementation of the withdrawal process and ensure a smooth transition while addressing any concerns or challenges that may arise.
“It will work in close collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including VIPs, to ensure that the interests and security requirements of all concerned are duly considered.”
