by Godwin Orozo Abuja-
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has issued a firm directive ordering the immediate arrest of any police officer found escorting VIPs who are not legally entitled to such protection.
According to a police signal dated November 30, the IGP mandated the Monitoring Unit and Commissioners of Police in charge of X-Squad operations to ensure strict enforcement across the country.
The directive follows reports, first highlighted by The Nation, that several police personnel withdrawn from VIP escorts—following President Bola Tinubu’s order—have yet to return to their respective bases.
President Tinubu had on November 23 instructed the withdrawal of all police officers attached to private individuals, citing rising insecurity and the urgent need to redeploy officers to protect the general population. He also advised individuals who require personal security to seek assistance from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Despite the police chief’s earlier announcement that over 11,000 personnel had been withdrawn, social media has continued to circulate images and videos showing officers still serving non-entitled VIPs.
In the new wireless message, the IGP directed all relevant formations—including the Department of Operations, AIGs in charge of Zones, the Mobile Police Force, VIP Protection Unit, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Federal Operations, and all state and area commands—to ensure immediate compliance.
“Any police officer found escorting a VIP outside approved duty protocols must be arrested without delay,” the signal stressed.
It further warned that supervising officers who fail to enforce the directive would face disciplinary action.
When contacted, Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) CSP Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed the development, noting that the IGP’s directive would be fully implemented.
“Only those legally entitled to police protection will retain their escorts,” Hundeyin said.
