By Lami Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has again emphasized his directive for the withdrawal of police personnel from VIP escort and guard assignments, insisting that the nation’s security architecture must be refocused on protecting citizens rather than a privileged few.
The President restated his position during a high-level security briefing at the State House, Abuja, where he expressed concern that a significant portion of the Nigeria Police Force remains tied down to non-essential personal protection roles while communities across the country face security pressures.
According to the President, the era in which public resources are deployed to serve private interests must end, noting that policing must return to its core function: safeguarding the public, strengthening law enforcement, and ensuring internal security.
He directed the Inspector-General of Police to fast-track full implementation of the withdrawal policy, adding that only individuals with constitutionally recognized security entitlements should retain police protection.
Security analysts say the renewed directive signals a push toward broader reforms in the police force, including redeployment of officers to critical areas, improved response capacity, and reduction of elite capture of security resources.
The Presidency also hinted that a framework is being finalized for private individuals who desire personal security to rely on licensed private security outfits, in line with global best practices.
Tinubu maintained that Nigeria cannot achieve meaningful policing reforms if the overwhelming majority of officers are assigned to VIPs, political office holders, wealthy individuals, and corporate executives.
More details are expected as the implementation timeline unfolds.
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