President Bola Tinubu directs the withdrawal of police officers from VIP duties. He issued this order on November 23, 2025. The goal targets Nigeria’s security issues.
Background of the Directive
Tinubu instructs Inspector General Kayode Egbetokun to recall officers. These personnel protect politicians and celebrities. Meanwhile kidnappings rise in Kebbi and Niger states.The directive requires officers to return rifles.
They must redeploy to core policing. Additionally VIPs should use NSCDC staff instead. Tinubu approves 30,000 new recruits. This move aims to boost police strength. However implementation faces challenges.
How Officers Circumvent the Order
Officers disguise themselves as vigilantes or NSCDC members. They wear those uniforms to avoid detection. Moreover some pose as private drivers in suits.
Bribery enables this evasion. Officers pay up to ₦500,000 for rifle reissue. Then, they resume VIP protection informally. Most affected officers return to duties. The policy fails to reduce private deployments.
Enforcement Efforts and Failures
The IGP forms a monitoring team. It arrests a few officers symbolically. Authorities release them soon after. Sources reveal no real change. Senior officers benefit from the system. Therefore the directive enriches them without reform.
Political Resistance and Historical Context
Senate President Godswill Akpabio raises concerns. He notes senators need escorts for safety. Insecure areas make visits risky.Past administrations try similar orders. Enforcement always lacks strength. Thus, the issue persists.
Implications for National Security
The failure leaves citizens vulnerable. Police remain overstretched. Ungoverned spaces grow. Ordinary Nigerians face higher risks. Kidnappings continue unchecked. Furthermore, resources do not shift to public safety.
In conclusion, this situation highlights corruption in policing. Leaders must enforce rules strictly. Only then can security improve.
