Presidency Orders Police to Withdraw MOPOL from VIP, Escort, and Security Duties
President Tinubu has ordered the withdrawal of Mobile Police Force (MOPOL) personnel from the Very Important Persons (VIP) escort and other security duties.
He wants MOPOL personnel to fully return to their normal duties as stipulated in the 1999 constitution and the police act.
Police Affairs Minister of State, Hajiya Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, made this known in Abuja, during a retreat organized for the directorate cadre of the ministry.
According to her, the constitution and the police act would be amended to execute the directive of the president, which was part of transformative initiatives to enhance internal security.
She also said the directive would help in developing a community policing strategy.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had also announced plan to withdraw MOPOL personnel from VIP escort and other security duties, for the formation of a special police striking force.
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She stated this during a two-day retreat for the directorate cadre with of the ministry themed ‘Re: Envisioning the Ministry of Police Affairs for Effective Internal Security: Strengthening Administration and Management Functions for Resilience and Efficiency’.
The minister said the key mandates of the ministry was developing and implementing a harmonized police reform report, amending the Police Act, executing Mr President’s directive on the withdrawal of personnel from VIP among others.
The minister also stated that the mandates were not mere tasks but transformative initiatives that can enhance internal security in Nigeria, noting that the two-day management retreat will inspire a collective commitment to align efforts of the ministerial mandate to contribute to the realization of Mr. President’s vision for a renewed and highly effective Nigeria Police Force.
She recalled that the Nigeria Police Force found itself at a critical juncture, and currently struggling with the consequences of decades of neglect that have hindered its ability to fulfil its constitutional mandate.
Also speaking, the chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Dr. Solomon Arase, said that the Nigeria Police Force is fundamental to the ministry, as to the commission, adding that the principal mandate of both organizations was to ensure the smooth functioning and effectiveness of the Nigeria Police Force.
