In a bold and strategic move aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s internal security architecture, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the immediate withdrawal of over 100,000 police officers currently attached to VIPs across the country.
The officers are to return to their respective formations and commands to boost the fight against terrorism, banditry, and other violent crimes.
The directive, which was issued after a high level national security meeting in Abuja, is seen as part of the President’s broader efforts to reclaim public safety and restore police presence in communities severely affected by insecurity.
According to insiders at the Presidency, Tinubu expressed deep concern over the disproportionate number of police personnel assigned to politicians, celebrities, businessmen, and some private citizens, while ordinary Nigerians continue to suffer from rising criminal activities and dwindling police visibility.
“This government cannot sit back and watch terrorists torment our people while officers are reduced to carrying handbags and opening car doors for VIPs,” a senior aide quoted the President as saying.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has reportedly begun the implementation process, with a directive sent to all state commands and units to compile and return officers currently on VIP duties.
Security experts have long criticized the lopsided deployment of the nation’s police force, with estimates showing that nearly 40% of the country’s operational police personnel are assigned to protect a few elite citizens.
The President emphasized that this decision was not aimed at punishing any individual, but rather an effort to restoring professionalism and public trust in the Nigerian Police Force, especially as the nation battles terrorism, kidnapping, and armed robbery in various regions.
Citizens and advocacy groups have largely welcomed the move, describing it as a step in the right direction toward national rebirth and equity in security distribution.
Palace Pulse will continue to follow up on the enforcement, reactions from the affected VIPs and the general public.
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