Prominent individuals across the country are uneasy after President Bola Tinubu ordered the withdrawal of police personnel attached to VIPs. The directive instructs the police to redirect officers to core policing duties. VIPs who still need armed protection must now apply to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
VIPs React With Confusion and Fear
Security sources said the announcement triggered a rush of calls to police headquarters. Many VIPs wanted clarification. Several expressed fear that NSCDC officers may not match the skill or readiness of mobile police units.
One VIP made a sharp comparison. He said the switch felt like “using boy scouts” instead of trained mobile police officers. He warned that civil defence officials may struggle with high-risk protection duties.
Worries About Security Gaps
A different VIP said escorts had become part of Nigeria’s security culture. He agreed that the system needs reform. However, he felt that suspending it completely during rising insecurity could create fresh risks. According to him, citizens may panic if protection structures suddenly disappear.
He also noted that escort deployments drain policing resources. Many Nigerians feel the system favours influential people while ordinary citizens remain exposed to danger.
Police Officers Say Communities Suffer
A serving police officer said the core problem is manpower. Officers assigned to wealthy individuals leave high-risk communities without enough staff. Patrol teams then struggle. Response times also worsen. Too many officers focus on escort duties instead of crime prevention.
Another source at Force Headquarters gave a similar account. He said some units spend full days escorting governors or businessmen. Their original zones stay uncovered for hours.
Public Trust Drops Further
Human rights advocate Tony Udemmadu said VIP escorts damage public trust. Many Nigerians see the practice as proof of deep inequality. This view is common in regions battling violent crime and weak police presence.
When contacted for updates, Force Public Relations Officer Benjamin Hundeyin said he would provide a response. He had not done so at press time.
Opposition Rejects the Directive
The African Democratic Congress criticised the decision. The party described it as political theatre, not a real security plan. Its spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, said similar announcements in past years achieved nothing.
He added that the police lack proper training and equipment to fight advanced criminal groups. Returning officers to regular duty will not solve this problem.
Calls for Real Security Reform
Abdullahi warned that security agencies and the military continue to struggle against fast-adapting criminals. He said reforms must address this reality and move beyond symbolic actions.
