The Federal Government has withdrawn the Mobile Police Force personnel attached to several Very Important Persons, including ex-governors, former ministers, and lawmakers.
The order, which was contained in a police wireless message from Mopol 45 Force Headquarters, Abuja, affected Daura Buhari, brother to former President Muhammadu Buhari as well as former First Lady, Aisha Buhari’s sibling and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha.
The development is coming a few weeks after the Acting IGP vowed to withdraw Police Mobile Force personnel from VIP escort and guard duties.
He had also announced plans to establish the Special Intervention Squad, which, according to him, would have 40,000 highly trained police officers, including selected officers from the Police Mobile Force.
This, the IG said, was to allow the police to take back its place in the internal security architecture of the country.
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Egbetokun, who spoke during a meeting with Squadron leaders and Tactical Commanders in Abuja, on June 26, stated that while the protection of dignitaries remains paramount, it is imperative that the Force realign its priorities to address the escalating security challenges faced by the nation as a whole.
He added that by relieving the PMF of VIP escort and guard duties, it can redirect their focus and efforts toward addressing critical security concerns that affect our communities at large.
Egbetokun had set up a committee headed by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (Operations), Adeleke Bode, to assess and advise on how the new policies could be implemented seamlessly.
Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe