In a decisive enforcement action, the Nigerian military has reportedly arrested four police officers for allegedly violating President Bola Tinubu's directive on VIP protection duties. The incident underscores the Federal Government's push to redeploy police manpower to core security operations nationwide.
Details of the Abuja Arrest
The arrest took place in the nation's capital, Abuja, on December 17, 2025, at approximately 9:30 a.m.. According to security sources who spoke to Zagazola Makama, the officers were caught while reportedly providing unauthorised escort services to a Very Important Person (VIP). This action directly contravened the presidential order withdrawing police personnel from such duties.
The apprehended officers have been identified as:
- ASP Musa Waziri attached to 45 Police Mobile Force (PMF), Abuja.
- Insp. Jeremiah Achimogu also attached to 45 PMF, Abuja.
- Insp. Awipi Terry of 21 PMF.
- Insp. Hassan Baba of 50 PMF, Abuja.
Attempted Disguise and Disciplinary Measures
In a revealing twist, security sources disclosed that the policemen were dressed in uniforms resembling those of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). This was allegedly a deliberate attempt to evade detection and deceive enforcement personnel monitoring compliance with the new directive.
The arrested officers are currently in detention, and disciplinary procedures have been initiated against them in line with existing regulations. This move signals a strict no-tolerance approach to violations of the presidential order.
Background of Tinubu's Security Shake-up
This enforcement action stems from a major policy shift announced by the Presidency. On Sunday, November 23, 2025, Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga issued a statement directing the immediate withdrawal of police officers assigned to guard VIPs across Nigeria.
The directive aims to refocus police personnel on their core policing and internal security responsibilities, thereby increasing their visibility and effectiveness amid the country's security challenges. Under the new arrangement, VIPs requiring armed escorts must now request personnel from the NSCDC, not the Nigeria Police Force.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps is a paramilitary agency established in 1967 and formally recognised by law in 2003. It operates under the Federal Ministry of Interior and is tasked with protecting lives, property, and critical national infrastructure, making it the designated agency for VIP protection under the new policy.
The arrest of the four officers in Abuja serves as a stark demonstration of the government's commitment to enforcing this critical security reform. It highlights the ongoing inter-agency cooperation and the seriousness with which the new directive is being treated at the highest levels of Nigeria's security architecture.
