Mobile Policemen Withdrawn From Former Governors, Ministers’ Security Personnel

The federal government has announced that the Mobile Police Force will no longer be part of the security personnel of several former officials, including ex-governors and ministers.

This order affected former President Muhammadu Buhari's brother, Daura Buhari, and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha.

It also affected former Imo governor, Ikedi Ohakim; former Bauchi governor, Adamu Mu'Azu; former Imo governor, Rochas Okorocha; former Gombe governor, Danjuma Goje; former Ogun governor Gbenga Daniel; and former Zamfara governor, Bello Matawalle.

The list also includes former police affairs minister, Maigari Dingyadi; former petroleum minister Timipre Sylva; former senator Haliru Jika; former budget minister, Clem Ikanade Agba; former Peoples Democratic Party chairman, Iyorchia Ayu; former House member Rabiu Lawan and former senator Stephen Adey.

The announcement came a few weeks after the Inspector General of Police of the Nigeria Police Force, Kayode Egbetokun, promised the Police Mobile Force personnel will withdraw from guard duties and VIP escort.

"We shall effect the withdrawal of PMF personnel from VIP escort/guard duties," said Egbetokun said on June 26 during a meeting with Squadron leaders and Tactical Commanders in Abuja, Punch reported.

"While the protection of dignitaries remains paramount, it is imperative that we realign our priorities to address the escalating security challenges faced by the nation as a whole," he said at that time. "By relieving the PMF of VIP escort and guard duties, we can redirect their focus and efforts toward addressing critical security concerns that affect our communities at large."

Egbetokun, who replaced Usman Alkali Baba, was appointed last month and decorated by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa on June 20.

During the ceremony, the new IG said felt like a "lion" who was "ready to devour all the internal enemies of Nigeria.

"I really can't describe how I feel currently, but if I have to tell you anything, I will tell you that right now, I feel like a tiger inside of me, ready to chase away all the criminals in Nigeria," he said while speaking to the media.

The new appointment came as President Bola Tinubu replaced all the Chief of Defence Staff alongside the nation's service chiefs, IGP, and the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Col. Hameed Ali last month.

Following the retirements, the president immediately appointed new officials, including Ribadu as the National Security Adviser. Major General Christopher Musa as the Chief of Defence Staff. Whereas, Adeniyi Adewale has been appointed as the Acting Comptroller-General of Customs.