The Federal Government of Nigeria has withdrawn the Mobile Police Force personnel assigned to various Very Important Persons, (VIPs) including former governors, former ministers, and lawmakers.
The order, contained in a police wireless message from Mopol 45 Force Headquarters in Abuja, affects Daura Buhari, the brother of former President Muhammadu Buhari, as well as a sibling of former First Lady Aisha Buhari and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha.
This development comes a few weeks after the Inspector General (IG) pledged to withdraw Police Mobile Force personnel from VIP escort and guard duties. The IG also announced plans to establish the Special Intervention Squad, which would consist of 40,000 highly trained police officers, including selected personnel from the Police Mobile Force.
According to the IG, this initiative aims to enable the police to regain their position in the “internal security architecture” of the country.
During a meeting with Squadron leaders and Tactical Commanders in Abuja on June 26, Egbetokun, stated, “We will carry out the withdrawal of PMF personnel from VIP escort/guard duties. While ensuring the protection of dignitaries remains a priority, it is crucial that we reevaluate our priorities to address the escalating security challenges faced by the nation as a whole. By relieving the PMF of VIP escort and guard duties, we can redirect their focus and efforts towards addressing critical security concerns affecting our communities at large.”
“To begin the process of reclaiming our position in the internal security architecture of our beloved country, we have initiated plans for the creation of a new special squad called the Special Intervention Squad,” Egbetokun added.
He further explained that this special squad would comprise 40,000 specially trained elite officers, selected from the existing pool of Police Mobile Force personnel and tactical units nationwide. These officers will undergo rigorous pre-deployment training to prepare them for frontline operational duties across all states of the Federation.