The Nigeria Police Force has taken a decisive step to implement President Bola Tinubu's order by creating a dedicated enforcement team. This special squad is tasked with ensuring that police personnel are no longer deployed for VIP escort and guard duties across the nation.
Monitoring Exercise Shows High Compliance in Lagos
In a significant move to verify adherence to the presidential directive, the enforcement team conducted a detailed monitoring exercise on Saturday, December 6, 2025. The operation focused on key strategic locations within Lagos State.
The monitoring covered the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge, the Domestic Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, and several other vital points. According to an official statement released on X by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the results were positive.
The police reported a satisfactory and commendable level of compliance by its officers. Importantly, no instances of unauthorized police deployment for VIP escort were discovered during the exercise, and consequently, no arrests were made.
Force Leadership Reaffirms Commitment to Core Policing
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has reiterated the Force's unwavering commitment to fully executing the president's order. The directive, issued during a high-level security meeting at the State House in Abuja, aims to bolster police presence in communities facing escalating security threats.
The police statement clarified that VIPs who still require security protection will now have to depend on well-armed operatives from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). This shift is designed to allow the Nigeria Police Force to refocus its manpower on essential duties.
These core responsibilities include:
- General crime prevention and detection
- Enhanced law enforcement activities
- Rapid-response operations to protect lives and property
Addressing Long-Standing Public Concerns
President Tinubu's order responds to years of widespread public criticism. There has been persistent concern over the heavy assignment of police officers to private individuals, politicians, and other privileged persons.
This practice has often left many towns, villages, and remote communities severely under-policed. Police stations in these areas frequently operate with limited staff, struggling to effectively combat banditry, kidnappings, and other violent crimes.
The Nigeria Police Force has assured the public that it will enforce this policy nationwide without fear or favour. It has also urged citizens for continued support as it works towards building a more professional, efficient, and citizen-centred policing system.
