The Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, has confirmed the withdrawal of 11,566 police officers previously assigned to protect Very Important Persons (VIPs) across Nigeria. The move follows a directive from President Bola Tinubu, aimed at strengthening security amid an upsurge in kidnappings, killings, and other criminal activities nationwide.
The presidential order, issued on November 23, mandates the immediate reassignment of officers from VIP protection duties to broader security operations. Speaking to senior police officials in Abuja on Thursday, the IGP emphasized that the directive is to be fully implemented without interference, noting that VIPs cannot challenge the recall of their security personnel.
Egbetokun also urged officers to uphold professionalism and commitment as they focus on safeguarding the public, stressing the importance of continuous vigilance to curb criminal activities across the country.