In an effort to ensure that it’s order on withdrawal of police escorts attached to Very Important Persons, VIP, across the country is obeyed, the Nigeria Police Force has deployed a Special Enforcement Team to monitor full compliance.
Recall that President Bola Tinubu had directed the prohibition of the use of police personnel for Very Important Persons’ escorts and guard duties.
The enforcement measure was contained in a statement released on Saturday via the Force’s X handle, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin. He stated that the team commenced a statewide monitoring operation in Lagos on December 6, 2025, beginning at about 10:00 am.
According to him, the exercise covered key locations, including the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge, the domestic wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, and other strategic points across the state.
Hundeyin stated that the monitoring revealed “satisfactory and commendable” adherence to the presidential order. Just as he noted that no cases of unauthorized police escort deployment were observed and no arrests were made.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, reiterates the Force’s commitment to the full implementation of the presidential directive.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in redeploying its personnel to core policing duties aimed at enhancing general security, crime prevention, and the protection of lives and property across the country,” the statement added.
Hundeyin assured the public that the implementation of the policy would continue nationwide “without fear or favour.”
He, therefore, urged citizens to support efforts to build a more efficient, professional, and people-centered policing system.
According to a statement released by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, VIPs requiring protection will now be assigned armed operatives from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps instead of the police.
The statement added that the aim of the policy is to free up police manpower for frontline duties, particularly in underserved communities. It is also to strengthen the country’s overall national security response.
