The Nigeria Police Force has commenced a major withdrawal of officers attached to Very Important Persons (VIPs) across the country, following a directive issued by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The order, executed through the Special Protection Unit (SPU), has directed all operatives deployed to political office holders, businessmen, traditional rulers, and other influential individuals to return immediately to their respective bases pending further instructions.
The sudden withdrawal has triggered a nationwide discussion on the balance between public safety, political privilege, and Nigeria’s overstretched security architecture.
According to internal police communication, the directive affects officers serving under SPU categories one through six, including those on static guard duty, patrol attachment, and escort services assigned to private and public individuals.
The SPU headquarters reportedly instructed zonal and state commanders to ensure full compliance, warning that any officer found defying the order would face disciplinary actions.
This development did not occur in isolation.
Background To VIP Policing In Nigeria
For decades, Nigeria has faced heavy criticism over the disproportionate deployment of police officers to private individuals and elites, leaving the general population underserved.
Reports indicate that over 150,000 officers, almost one-quarter of the entire police workforce, are attached to VIPs, including politicians, business elites, clerics, and even entertainers.
Security experts have repeatedly argued that this pattern contributes significantly to the country’s high crime rate, slow emergency response, and rising cases of violent attacks in rural and urban areas.
President Tinubu, upon assuming office, promised to reform Nigeria’s internal security system.
One of the key proposals in the early days of his administration was reducing the number of officers assigned to private individuals and boosting community policing.
The SPU withdrawal order marks the first major attempt to implement that policy.
Why The Withdrawal Is Generating Controversy
Despite appearing policy-driven, the decision has sparked controversy among political circles and civil society groups.
Some critics allege that the move may be targeted, suggesting that certain political opponents, activists, and dissenting voices may be left vulnerable.
There are concerns that without clear guidelines on who qualifies for reassignment, the process could be politicized.
Others argue that VIPs who genuinely face threats, such as judges, whistleblowers, and anti-corruption officers, may be exposed to heightened risks.
On the other hand, supporters of the withdrawal insist that Nigeria cannot continue allocating thousands of officers to individuals while communities lack basic police presence.
They describe the policy as long overdue, insisting that elite privilege has weakened the nation’s security system for decades.
What Happens Next
The Nigeria Police Force is expected to reassess VIP attachments and issue fresh approvals only for individuals whose risk assessments justify protection.
Senior police officials note that the reform aims to create a fairer and more effective policing system, redirecting manpower to crime prevention, intelligence gathering, and rapid response operations.
As Nigeria awaits further clarification, many citizens hope the policy will strengthen public safety rather than deepen political tension or insecurity.