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Police warn that VIP escorts now constitute illegal duty following IGP Kayode Egbetokun’s directive
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Over 11,500 officers withdrawn from VIPs and redeployed to schools and core security operations
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Statutorily entitled officials — including governors and judges — to retain protection pending further presidential directive
The Nigeria Police Force has issued a fresh warning that any officer found escorting or providing personal protection for Very Important Persons (VIPs) will be arrested, describing such assignments as “illegal duty” under the directive of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun.
Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, gave the clarification during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, stressing that enforcement has begun nationwide.
Hundeyin confirmed that all operatives previously attached to VIP protection have been recalled, following President Bola Tinubu’s directive, and that 11,566 officers have now been redeployed to schools and other public security formations across the country.
“The enforcement is on. The IGP directed that any police officer found escorting VIPs be arrested because he is on illegal duty. Every one of them has been recalled,” Hundeyin said.
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He disclosed that senior commanders have been instructed to ensure strict compliance.
According to him, the IGP ordered the Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Special Protection Unit (SPU) to station personnel at the Abuja airport to arrest any officer seen escorting VIPs. A similar directive was issued to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police.
“That’s how seriously we take this,” the spokesman added.
Hundeyin, however, clarified that certain categories of officials remain legally entitled to police protection, including governors and judicial officers, pending further instructions from the presidency.
He also emphasised that the withdrawal of escorts was not influenced by “the highest bidder,” noting that the policy is intended to free up manpower for core policing at a time of heightened security concerns nationwide.
President Tinubu had earlier ordered the nationwide withdrawal of police escorts attached to VIPs on November 23, 2025, directing that the personnel be redeployed to understaffed communities.
The Police said the implementation is ongoing in a professional and phased manner to avoid security lapses. VIPs who require personal security have been advised to seek assistance from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
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