Amid growing concerns over widespread insecurity across the country, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has directed the urgent deployment of a special unit to counter the recent surge in violent attacks.

During a strategic meeting held Tuesday with commanders of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) in Abuja, Egbetokun ordered that all PMF squadrons maintain at least one fully equipped, combat-ready team on permanent standby. This move comes in response to a series of deadly incidents, including recent attacks that claimed 21 lives across Kwara, Benue, and Sokoto states.

Several regions, such as Plateau, Benue, and Enugu, have experienced a spike in violent incidents in recent weeks, often targeting unarmed civilians.

"The PMF was established as a rapid response unit—swift, decisive, and battle-ready," the IGP emphasized. "Effective immediately, every PMF squadron must keep one fully equipped team ready to respond to emergencies at any time."

In addition to the readiness directive, Egbetokun mandated quarterly training programs focused not only on tactical skills but also on ethical standards, professionalism, and responsible policing practices. He further revealed that PMF squadron sizes would be restructured to enhance agility and effectiveness.

“As part of this restructuring, squadron commanders will now be held accountable for the behavior of their officers,” he said. “Leaders must take initiative by organizing regular training, delivering lectures, and conducting inspections to uphold discipline and human rights.”

Reiterating the decision to pull mobile police personnel from non-essential escort duties, Egbetokun voiced concern that such roles have diminished the core strength and tactical focus of the PMF.

He warned that unprofessional conduct within the mobile force would no longer be tolerated. "Directives have already been issued for the phased withdrawal of PMF personnel from unauthorized posts. All commanders are expected to enforce this without hesitation,” he stated.

The IGP reaffirmed that the Police Force is shifting its focus towards combating violent crime and enhancing national security, vowing to restore the PMF as a leading force in internal security and a standard of tactical excellence.

“The discipline, values, and high standards that once defined the Police Mobile Force must be restored,” he declared.