The Nigeria Police Force’s Special Protection Unit (SPU) has instructed all personnel assigned to VIPs and special posts nationwide to immediately return to their respective bases.
This directive follows President Bola Tinubu’s November 23 order mandating the withdrawal of police officers from VIP protection duties across the country.
A memo issued by Neji Veronica, the Commanding Officer of SPU Base 16 in Lagos and later made public by Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga on X ordered all affected officers to report back no later than the close of work on November 24.
The document emphasized strict compliance, stating that all SPU Base 16 operatives attached to VIPs or stationed at special beats across the federation must return at once.
Officers were also informed to attend a lecture parade on November 25, with attendance taken directly from the official nominal roll.
Under the new policy, VIPs who need armed security are expected to request personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), instead of relying on the police.
According to the Presidency, the move aims to strengthen police presence in underserved communities, particularly remote regions where officers are often too few to adequately protect residents.
The statement explained that many rural police stations operate with limited manpower, making it difficult for officers to carry out essential security responsibilities. Tinubu wants the police to refocus on core policing duties rather than VIP escorts.
To support the transition, Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 30,000 additional police personnel nationwide. Plans are also underway to upgrade police training facilities with support from state governments.
The withdrawal order comes amid rising security incidents in Northern Nigeria, including recent attacks in Kebbi and Kwara states.
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