The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has issued a stern warning, stating that any police officer caught providing escort or protection services to Very Important Persons (VIPs) will be arrested. The Force has declared such assignments illegal under the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
Enforcement in Full Swing, Arrests Ordered at Airports
Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the development during an interview on Channels Television's Politics Today on Tuesday, December 2. He stated that all officers previously attached to VIP protection duties have been fully withdrawn and that enforcement of the new directive is actively ongoing.
"The enforcement is on. The IGP gave the directive that any police officer found escorting VIPs be arrested because, definitely, he is on illegal duty. Every one of them has been recalled," Hundeyin said.
He emphasized the seriousness of the crackdown, revealing that specific orders have been given to senior officers at key locations. The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Special Protection Unit was ordered to station men at the Abuja airport to arrest any offending officer. A similar order was given to the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State for the Lagos airport.
Policy Driven by Presidential Order on Security
This drastic move follows a directive from President Bola Tinubu to redeploy police officers to core security functions. This decision comes amid rising nationwide insecurity, including kidnappings and terrorist attacks. The policy aims to refocus limited police resources on critical law enforcement, particularly in rural areas with scant police presence.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga reiterated that the goal is to enhance public safety. As part of a broader security emergency declared by the President, an expansion of police recruitment was approved, with plans to add 20,000 new officers.
Previously, IGP Egbetokun disclosed that a total of 11,566 officers had been withdrawn from VIP protection duties following the presidential order. He stated that the directive grants him full authority to implement the changes without interference.
Statutory Exceptions and New Security Arrangements
While police escorts have been withdrawn from most VIPs, Hundeyin clarified that certain categories of public officials remain statutorily entitled to police protection. He cited examples such as governors and judges, noting they would retain their police details until further directives from the presidency.
VIPs who still require personal security are now expected to source personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The police have also encouraged members of the public to report any VIP seen moving with a police escort, as such assignments are now considered unlawful.
The enforcement of this policy marks a significant shift in the deployment of Nigeria's police force, prioritizing general public security over individual protection for elites.
