The Nigeria Police Force has deployed a Special Enforcement Team to monitor compliance with President Bola Tinubu’s directive banning the use of police personnel for Very Important Persons (VIPs) escort and guard duties.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday via the Force’s official X handle.
According to Hundeyin, the team commenced a statewide monitoring exercise in Lagos at about 10:00 a.m. on Dec. 6, covering key locations including the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge, the domestic wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, and other strategic points across the state.
He said the exercise recorded “satisfactory and commendable” compliance with the presidential directive, adding that no cases of unauthorised police escort deployment were observed and no arrests were made.
Hundeyin stated that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, reaffirmed the commitment of the Force to the full implementation of the directive.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in redeploying its personnel to core policing duties focused on enhancing general security, crime prevention, and the protection of lives and property nationwide,” he said.
The police spokesperson assured that the enforcement of the policy would continue across the country without fear or favour and urged members of the public to support efforts aimed at building a more efficient, professional, and people-centred police force.
President Tinubu had ordered the withdrawal of all police officers attached to VIPs during a security meeting with service chiefs and the Director-General of the Department of State Services on Nov. 23 in Abuja.
A statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, said VIPs requiring protection would henceforth be provided armed operatives from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
The policy, according to the Presidency, is intended to free up police manpower for frontline duties, especially in underserved communities, and to strengthen the country’s overall security architecture.
