Police Protection for Some Officials to Continue — Force Clarifies After VIP‑Escort Withdrawal

Police Protection for Some Officials to Continue — Force Clarifies After VIP‑Escort Withdrawal

Reported By Sele Media Africa|Ihuoma Amarachi

ABUJA —The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has clarified that although it has ordered the withdrawal of police escorts from many individuals previously classified as “VIPs,” officials and persons who are statutorily entitled to security protection will continue to receive police protection — despite the broader escort‑pullback.

What Happened

– On November 23, 2025, the government, under Bola Tinubu, ordered the withdrawal of police officers from VIP protection duties to redeploy them toward frontline security work. [1] – Following the directive, the police issued a statement confirming that while many escorts would be withdrawn, the protection of legally and constitutionally entitled persons — such as heads of state institutions and other designated officials — will continue via other specialized units of the Force. [2] – The Force Public Relations Office (FPRO), represented by Benjamin Hundeyin, emphasized that the move was part of a broader effort to re‑allocate manpower for security of the general public, not a blanket ban on all protective services. [2]

Why This Matters –

The decision seeks to end what analysts describe as a “hidden VIP security economy” — tens of thousands of police officers previously dedicated to guarding non‑entitled individuals, which critics say weakened frontline policing. [3] – By maintaining protection for legally entitled officials, the police aim to reassure that state security obligations and institutional safeguards remain intact. [2] – The move may free up personnel to address surging insecurity nationwide, including banditry, kidnappings, and communal violence — aligning with recent calls for enhanced security deployment. [4]

What to Watch –

Whether redeployed officers will significantly improve security in high‑risk zones and reduce violence and abduction incidents. – How the police balance ongoing protection for entitled officials with broader public security demands — and whether special‑protection units will be effective. – Public and civil‑society reactions: if reduced VIP escorts will lead to politicial pushback, or improved trust in law enforcement’s commitment to public safety.

Citations:

1. Nairametrics: nairametrics.com/2025/11/24/tinubu-orders-withdrawal-of-vip-police-escorts-approves-recruitment-of-30000-officers/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

2. The Nation Newspaper: thenationonlineng.net/just-in-igp-orders-arrest-of-officers-escorting-vips/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

3. Businessday NG: businessday.ng/news/article/police-withdrawal-order-to-upend-n108bn-vip-security-economy/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

4. Reuters: www.reuters.com/world/africa/nigerias-tinubu-declares-security-emergency-orders-mass-recruitment-police-army-2025-11-26/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

About The Author

Ihuoma Amarachi Grace

author

Ihuoma Amarachi Grace is a journalist with Sele Media Africa, committed to telling authentic African stories with depth and creativity. A Christian and a student of English and Literary Studies, she blends her love for writing with the art of spoken word to inspire and inform. Her voice adds a thoughtful and artistic dimension to Sele Media’s mission of amplifying unheard voices across the continent.

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