By Kingsley Omonobi

ABUJA—Ahead of the 2011 general elections, Inspector General of Police, Hafiz Abubakar Ringim, yesterday ordered the overhaul and downsizing of Police Mobile Force, PMF, noting that it was aimed at achieving optimal professionalism and efficiency of the force.

The IGP gave the order just as he expressed sadness over the continued image battering of the force by members of the public, warning that “we shall not hesitate to invoke vicarious liability sanctions on officers who fail to purge the force of incessant cases of police brutality and unethical conduct.

“As we all know, it is the traditional role of the Police Mobile Force to serve as the operational arm of the force, thereby providing succour in the protection of lives and property. The mobile force should be the last resort by the police in dealing with very tasking and riotous situations.”