Prominent Nigerians are turning to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for protection following the withdrawal of 11,566 police officers from VIP escorts on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive.
Inspector-General of Police Egbetokun said the recall is aimed at redeploying overstretched officers to tackle rising insecurity across the country, especially kidnappings in Kwara, Kebbi and Niger States.
“We have withdrawn a total of 11,566 personnel from VIP protection. These officers are being redeployed to critical policing duties,”
—IGP Egbetokun.
He warned that the new arrangement must be protected from criminal abuse, stressing that the withdrawal is “a reclamation of responsibility, not a retreat.”
Despite the directive, police sources told The PUNCH that some officers have quietly returned to VIP duties.
VIPs React
Several political figures—including former SDP presidential candidate Adewole Adebayo and suspended PDP National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu—had their police details recalled. Anyanwu confirmed he has already applied to the NSCDC, saying:
“I prefer them. They are well trained too.”
APC South-East Vice Chairman Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, however, warned that blanket withdrawal could endanger high-risk individuals:
“VIPs are prime targets, especially politicians. Escorts should be prioritised, not removed from everyone.”
Calls for Full Enforcement
Senator Ali Ndume strongly backed the directive, criticising officials who keep multiple police escorts for themselves and their families.
“I saw so many police officers at the National Assembly today. This policy must be implemented fully.”
But other lawmakers described the directive as unrealistic, arguing that dangerous roads make security escorts unavoidable.
House Majority Leader Julius Ihonvbere said many public officials cannot travel safely without police protection.
Debate Over Security Reforms Widens
In the Senate, calls intensified for tougher anti-kidnapping laws. Senator Opeyemi Bamidele introduced a bill classifying all forms of kidnapping as terrorism—punishable by death—following Wednesday’s heated debate.
Separately, the Association of Licensed Private Security Practitioners of Nigeria called for an update to the 38-year-old law regulating private security firms to reflect modern security needs.
“The industry is at a pivotal point. We need laws that address data protection, surveillance technology and expanded responsibilities,”
—Maj. Gen. Elvis Njoku (rtd.), ALPSPN.
About The Author
