The Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, on Thursday, November 27, confirmed the significant withdrawal of 11,566 police officers previously attached to Very Important Personalities (VIPs) across Nigeria. This decisive action follows a clear presidential directive issued by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, signaling a major shift in the deployment strategy of the Nigeria Police Force.

Speaking during a meeting with senior police officers in Abuja, IGP Egbetokun emphasized that the presidential order grants him full authority to implement the withdrawal “without interference,” underscoring that no VIP should question the recall of their security personnel as it emanates directly from the Presidency. He clarified that this move is a deliberate security strategy aimed at boosting frontline policing, protecting vulnerable communities nationwide, and strengthening national security. The decision, he stressed, is neither political nor sentimental, but firmly rooted in the core mandate of the Nigeria Police Force to ensure the protection of all citizens and maintain public order. Officers are urged to strictly adhere to the presidential instruction, redirecting their focus toward community policing and national security, while maintaining professionalism and round-the-clock vigilance to prevent criminal activities.

Internal adjustments and directives have already commenced within the force. The Nigeria Police Force’s Mobile Force, 50 Squadron in Kubwa, Abuja, issued urgent instructions for all personnel assigned to high-profile individuals to report back to base by 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 27, 2025. This directive, referenced AB: 4087/FCT/50PMF/VOL.10/, was issued by the Squadron Commander, and the announcement was signed by CSP Suleiman Abdullahi, Administrative Officer, 50PMF Kubwa, Abuja. Furthermore, a memo signed by Commanding Officer Neji Veronica of SPU Base 16 in Lagos instructed all officers under its command to return to base before the close of business on November 24, indicating widespread implementation.

The comprehensive directive applies to officers assigned to 20 Very Important Persons (VIPs), with a memo dated November 26, 2025, listing prominent figures such as former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar and Namadi Sambo; Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; former First Lady Aisha Buhari; the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun; and the Olu of Warri, His Royal Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III. Other notable individuals mentioned include Minister of State for Labour, Senator Tanko Almakura, APC Women Leader, Alhaji Kamba, Hon. Ngozi Iweala, Senator Ahmed Lawal, Hon. Khalifa Abdul, Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani, Hon. Vetra, Hon. Moses Ternege, Managing Director of Barelco, Engineer Okeke, and Hon. Ibrahim Massari.

The 11,566 withdrawn personnel are being redeployed immediately to critical policing duties. This strategic reallocation aims to enhance manpower deployment for township and rural security, population protection, intelligence-driven operations, proactive patrols, and rapid response to emerging threats across all states. This move is part of President Tinubu’s broader efforts to strengthen policing across the country, particularly in remote areas where limited manpower has historically hindered effective community protection.

Under the new arrangement, VIPs seeking protection will now be required to request well-armed personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The IGP assured that the implementation process would be carefully managed to prevent impersonation, misinformation, or misuse of the directive by criminal groups, with detailed operational guidelines to be released soon. He succinctly stated, “The withdrawal is not a retreat from responsibility, but a reclamation of it.”

Egbetokun highlighted that recent security incidents, including abductions in Kwara, Kebbi, and Niger states, underscored the urgency of repositioning the Force and strengthening security visibility nationwide. While acknowledging public perception, he affirmed the police's relentless efforts against security challenges, working closely with other security agencies to ensure nationwide safety. He reported significant operational gains in recent weeks, including the arrest of 8,202 suspects for various crimes, comprising 451 armed robbery suspects, 356 kidnapping suspects, 534 murder suspects, and 129 culpable homicide suspects, among others. Additionally, 232 kidnapped victims were rescued, and the police recovered 249 firearms, nearly 21,000 rounds of ammunition, and 238 vehicles.

To further outpace criminal activities, the Force is strengthening intelligence frameworks, increasing community engagement, and expanding inter-agency collaboration. With the approaching festive season, Egbetokun has directed all state commands to activate enhanced security operations, including upgraded highway patrol teams, reinforced foot patrols at motor parks, anti-robbery dragnets, intelligence-backed rural patrols, and inter-agency collaborations to safeguard major national routes and community corridors, ensuring preparedness for the anticipated surge in travel activity and potential criminal exploitation.