Key points
- The president told police to stop guarding VIPs immediately. Police will return to core duties and patrols.
- VIPs are asked to hire NSCDC officers for armed escorts. The change starts after the presidential security meeting on Sunday.
- Police units attached to VIPs are moving back to station bases. Officers must report to their units and attend parade.
President Bola Tinubu on Sunday ordered the withdrawal of police officers assigned to guard VIPs across Nigeria. The directive came after a security meeting with the nation’s service chiefs and top police leaders. The move aims to free police to focus on patrols and core police duties.
The police command has begun implementing the order at some bases in Lagos and other states. Tinubu orders police withdrawal from VIP protection reports that officers are returning to stations and bases. The move affects personnel who served as aides and escorts for high-profile officials.
Officials say VIPs who want armed protection should hire NSCDC personnel for escorts. NSCDC officers are to provide armed detail where needed and accept private requests. The presidency framed the shift as a reallocation of police resources for public safety.
What police officials told staff
A police memo dated 24 November directed SPU Base 16 staff to report back immediately. The document orders all officers attached to VIPs to return to base by the end of that day. Attendance at parade was set for the next morning to record names and movements.
Police commanders told officers to prepare for new duty rosters and patrol tasks. Commanding officers said the change will push more boots onto streets. They added that the aim is to improve day-to-day policing and emergency response.
Some VIPs were still seen with police aides on Monday at private events. Security teams said they were awaiting formal handover to NSCDC teams. Observers expect a phased handover over the coming days.
Public reaction and questions
Security analysts welcomed the plan but asked for clear rules on the handover. They said the change must not create gaps in protection for key sites. Civil groups also called for clear info on how NSCDC will handle private hires.
Critics asked who will pay for new security details for top officials. Some argued that shifting police will raise cost and risk for VIPs. Others said police should still advise about threats and coordination.
The presidency said the withdrawal is part of efforts to refocus police on core work. Officials noted that police will still support national events when needed. They said the change aims to improve patrols and reduce idle assignments.
A second ValidUpdates report covers wider security reactions and comment from civic leaders. See the security coverage and responses for further context and public responses. That piece tracks calls for clearer plans and cost details from civic groups and security experts.
Police units across states are now updating duty lists and patrol maps. The force told units to record names returning to base and note pending transfers. Officers must attend the scheduled parade for accountability and roll-call.
Officials said VIPs with existing police detail should begin formal handover procedures. The presidency asked that handovers follow safety checks and written records. NSCDC officers will then assume the active armed roles as required.
Journalists covering the change asked for public timetables and cost estimates. The police spokesperson said details will be released soon to help transparency and public planning. For now, the public can expect a gradual shift of officers back to core tasks
