President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the immediate withdrawal of police officers attached to Very Important Persons (VIPs) across Nigeria, directing that officers currently assigned as private security escorts be redeployed to focus on their core policing duties.
The directive, issued to the police authorities, marks one of the most sweeping decisions yet regarding security resource allocation in the country. It is expected to significantly reduce the number of officers dedicated to the protection of politicians, businessmen, and other influential individuals.
According to presidency sources, the move is part of a broader strategy to strengthen national security, boost manpower available for public safety, and improve the police force’s capacity to respond to crime nationwide. Nigeria has long faced criticism for assigning thousands of police personnel to VIPs while regular citizens suffer inadequate security coverage.
The Inspector General of Police has been directed to compile a list of all officers attached to individuals and ensure their redeployment to operational units. It is not yet clear whether the order allows for exceptions involving high-risk officials or whether VIPs will be required to hire private security companies going forward.
The announcement has already sparked conversation across the country, with some Nigerians applauding the decision as overdue, while others question whether it will be fully implemented given longstanding resistance from politically connected beneficiaries.
Further details and enforcement timelines are expected as the police leadership begins implementation of the presidential directive.
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