Fear has gripped Nigeria’s VIPs following President Bola Tinubu’s directive to withdraw police escorts currently assigned to protect them.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga announced that police officers would now be redirected to focus on their primary duties, while VIPs requiring protection are expected to seek security support from the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Police sources revealed that many VIPs have been flooding police headquarters with calls, expressing anxiety and seeking clarification on the move.
Their main worry centres on whether the NSCDC personnel, given their training and equipment, can offer the level of protection that mobile policemen typically provide. One source likened relying on the NSCDC to “engaging Boy Scouts” instead of the more combat-ready police units.
An anonymous VIP highlighted that while police escorts have long been part of Nigeria’s security framework, the country’s growing security challenges demand a more nuanced approach rather than a complete withdrawal. They cautioned that such a blanket ban might deepen fears of insecurity among the public.
The VIP explained that the justification for police escorts usually hinges on the high-profile nature of the individuals and the perceived threats they face. However, these arrangements often divert crucial security resources away from broader public safety needs.
A serving police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, questioned whether assigning police officers to VIPs weakens the force’s ability to respond promptly to criminal activities in communities.
With Nigeria grappling with insurgencies, kidnappings, armed robberies, and communal violence, deploying officers for VIP protection leaves patrol teams understaffed and slows response times. He revealed that entire police units are sometimes tied up protecting a single governor or businessman, which diminishes security coverage in vulnerable areas.
Human rights activist Tony Udemmadu condemned VIP police escorts as symbols of inequality that undermine public confidence in law enforcement. He pointed out that while the elite enjoy police protection, ordinary Nigerians face rising insecurity with little police presence, particularly in troubled regions like the Niger Delta and the Northeast.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, did not provide further details about the number of officers involved, the withdrawal plan, or its implementation timeline.
Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised President Tinubu’s directive as political theatre lacking real impact on Nigeria’s worsening security situation.
ADC spokesperson Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi described the move as superficial, noting similar orders had been made twice in 2025 without results. Abdullahi argued that even if police officers are relieved from VIP duties, the force is ill-equipped and poorly trained to address Nigeria’s complex security emergencies.
He further stated that increasing police numbers alone will not solve the problem, especially as even the military struggles against the sophisticated tactics of insurgents. Without proper training, equipment, and motivation, the police will remain unable to effectively confront terrorism and violent crime.
