Following the withdrawal of 11,566 police officers from VIP protection duties, several prominent Nigerians are now preparing to apply to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for orderlies and security escorts.
The directive, issued by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is part of a broader strategy to redirect overstretched security manpower to address escalating threats nationwide, including rising kidnapping incidents in Kwara, Kebbi, Niger and other northern states.
Speaking in Abuja, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun emphasized that the recall of officers from VIP duties was not punitive or political, but a necessary step to reinforce policing in communities struggling with crime.
“In line with the President’s directive, 11,566 personnel have been withdrawn from VIP protection. These officers are being redeployed to critical policing duties immediately,” he said.
Egbetokun explained that the redeployment would boost rural and urban security, improve intelligence-led operations, and strengthen rapid-response capacity. He warned, however, that strict monitoring was required to prevent criminals from impersonating.
Despite the sweeping order, some officers reportedly resumed VIP duties quietly, suggesting partial compliance in certain quarters.
Investigations revealed that several political figures—including former SDP presidential candidate Prince Adewole Adebayo and suspended PDP National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu—were among those whose police escorts were abruptly recalled. NSCDC personnel and private guards have already been seen accompanying some of them.
Anyanwu confirmed the withdrawal of his police orderlies and expressed support for the policy, urging the government to prioritize “elder statesmen and national officers” when assigning security aides. He disclosed that he had applied to the NSCDC, noting that he preferred their training and professionalism.
Not everyone agrees with the change. APC South-East Vice Chairman Dr Ijeoma Arodiogbu warned that stripping VIPs of escorts could expose them to elevated risks, arguing that political leaders remain prime targets. He endorsed prioritization but criticized situations where individuals with no significant public responsibilities walk around with large contingents of police escorts.
Others argue that Nigeria should move toward a system where VIPs function with minimal security. PDP Deputy National Youth Leader Tim Osadolor said even top officials should begin to move without escorts, citing practices in countries like Denmark and the Netherlands.
Senator Ali Ndume strongly supported the withdrawal, criticizing officials who attach police officers not only to themselves but also to their spouses and children. He described the policy as one of the President’s most commendable decisions and urged full enforcement.
But some lawmakers described the directive as “unrealistic,” stressing that VIPs remain key targets for politically motivated attacks. House Majority Leader Julius Ihonvbere called for clarity on who exactly falls under the policy, noting that national officers still require protection, especially in high-risk travel areas.
In a related development, Senator Francis Fadahunsi called for legislation allowing responsible Nigerians to bear arms, citing global precedents. He also demanded the death penalty for kidnapping and criticized the current security architecture, calling for reforms in the military command structure.
Barely a day later, the Senate introduced a bill sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele seeking to classify all forms of kidnapping as terrorism, with a mandatory death sentence upon conviction. The proposal followed calls from lawmakers for tougher measures to curb abductions nationwide.
Meanwhile, the Association of Licensed Private Security Practitioners of Nigeria described these developments as a signal to modernize the country’s 38-year-old private security law. The association is pushing for updates to incorporate technological tools, data protection standards, and expanded responsibilities better to integrate licensed private firms into national security efforts.
