The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced a strict enforcement operation targeting officers who provide security or escort services for Very Important Persons (VIPs), describing such duties as illegal under the current directive of Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun.
Speaking to Channels TV on Tuesday, December 2, police spokesperson CSP Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed that all personnel previously assigned to VIP protection have been withdrawn and warned that officers found violating the directive will be arrested. “The IGP has made it clear: any police officer found escorting VIPs is on illegal duty and will be arrested. Every one of them has been recalled,” Hundeyin said.
Hundeyin explained that senior police commanders have been given specific instructions to ensure compliance. “The IGP directed the Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Special Protection Unit to station officers at Abuja airport and arrest any police officer providing VIP escort. The same order was given to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police for Lagos airport. This underscores the seriousness of the directive,” he said.
The police spokesperson also stressed that President Bola Tinubu’s order is final and not influenced by wealth, status, or political connections. The withdrawal of VIP escorts is part of a broader effort to redeploy personnel to core policing duties amid rising insecurity across the country.
NPF leadership reiterated that the move aims to strengthen national security, improve public safety, and ensure that police officers are fully committed to addressing the country’s pressing law enforcement challenges.