Tinubu Orders Immediate Withdrawal of Police From VIP Security

The Special Protection Unit of the Nigeria Police Force has ordered all officers attached to VIPs and security beats nationwide to return to their bases, following a directive by President Bola Tinubu to immediately withdraw police personnel from VIP protection duties.

The order was contained in an internal memo signed by the Commanding Officer of SPU Base 16, Lagos, Neji Veronica, and shared on Tuesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

According to the memo: “Sequel to the directive of Mr President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces on the withdrawal of police personnel attached to VIPs, the Commanding Officer directs, with immediate effect, the withdrawal of all personnel of SPU Base 16 attached to VIPs/Beats across the federation back to base.”

All affected officers were instructed to report back before the close of business on Monday, November 24, and attend a lecture parade the following day.

Under the new security arrangement, VIPs seeking armed protection will now be required to request personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) instead of the police.

The Presidency explained that the decision aims to free up police manpower to strengthen community policing nationwide.

“Many parts of Nigeria, especially remote areas, have few policemen at the stations, thus making the task of protecting and defending the people difficult,” the statement said.

It added that Tinubu wants police personnel “to concentrate on their core police duties.”

To support the new directive, President Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 30,000 additional police officers across Nigeria. Plans are underway to upgrade police training facilities in partnership with state governments.

The Presidency stressed that the reforms are part of broader efforts to improve security nationwide.

It is worth noting that the withdrawal of police escorts from VIPs follows a spike in attacks in northern states, including Kebbi and Kwara, heightening calls for increased police presence in vulnerable communities.

The police high command said all SPU officers must comply with the order strictly, with attendance taken from the nominal roll upon their return.