President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his directive ordering the withdrawal of police escorts attached to serving ministers, top government officials, and other Very Important Persons (VIPs), insisting that no public office holder will retain police protection without his personal approval.
Speaking through the Ministry of Police Affairs and security correspondences monitored on AIT, the President emphasized that police personnel must return to core policing duties and not remain attached to individuals at the expense of national security.
According to the directive, requests for VIP security from any minister or official must now be routed through the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and will only be granted with presidential clearance.
The administration noted that special protection for ministers, heads of agencies, and privileged personalities will henceforth be handled by alternative security outfits, including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The move is part of a broader police reform agenda to address manpower shortages in frontline policing, as over 10,000 officers are currently serving private individuals rather than the public.
Some lawmakers and experts have expressed concerns over possible vulnerability of top officials in a period of rising insecurity.
However, the presidency maintains that national policing cannot be compromised while VIPs enjoy disproportionate protection.
The enforcement team of the Nigeria Police Force has commenced implementation across states, with strict warnings that officers who defy the directive will face disciplinary action.
The policy is expected to free thousands of police personnel for community patrols, criminal investigation, and rapid response duties to combat nationwide security threats.
