The Nigeria Police Force has issued a new nationwide warning to officers, insisting that no policeman should escort or follow VIPs while dressed in mufti. The Force described the practice as a clear violation of existing operational orders.
The latest directive was conveyed via a wireless message from the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Protection at the Force Headquarters, Abuja. The signal was disseminated to all Special Protection Unit (SPU) bases and Police Protection Units nationwide.
High Command Expresses Concern Over Persistent Violations
Despite previous warnings by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the High Command said it is worried that many officers still disregard the rule and continue accompanying VIPs in plain clothes — a practice prohibited under SPU operational guidelines.
Part of the signal, referenced CB: 4001/DOPS/SPU/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.20, noted:
“It has been observed that some men still follow VIPs in mufti in total disregard of this order. Officers and men are to desist henceforth, as anyone caught will be dealt with accordingly.”
The message emphasized that compliance is mandatory and that disciplinary measures await any officer who violates the directive.
Order Sent to Police Commands Nationwide
The warning was copied to major police commands and formations across Nigeria, including:
Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt, Abuja, Sokoto, Bauchi, Makurdi, Akure, Abeokuta, Enugu, Awka, Ibadan, Minna, Calabar, Asaba, Owerri, Benin, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, and others.
All units were instructed to acknowledge receipt immediately and treat the directive as urgent and important.
This development follows a major presidential order issued on November 23, 2025, in which President Bola Ahmed Tinubu instructed that police officers attached to VIPs nationwide be withdrawn and reassigned to core policing duties.
The directive came during a high-level security meeting in Abuja attended by:
- Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu — Chief of Army Staff
- Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke — Chief of Air Staff
- IGP Kayode Egbetokun
- DSS DG Tosin Adeola Ajayi
Under the new arrangement, VIPs who require armed escorts are now expected to request personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) instead of the Police.
Police Begin Internal Compliance
Following the President’s order, police authorities began internal restructuring.
A memo from the Commanding Officer of SPU Base 16, Lagos — Neji Veronica — directed all officers attached to VIPs to immediately return to base.
The memo stated:
“In line with the directive of the President and Commander-in-Chief on the withdrawal of police personnel attached to VIPs, all SPU Base 16 officers are to return to base before the close of business on November 24.”
It further emphasized the urgency:
“Report back before the end of today. All personnel must attend the lecture parade tomorrow. Attendance will be taken from the nominal roll.”
With the High Command’s renewed stance, any officer caught escorting VIPs in mufti risks severe disciplinary action.
The Police Force is pushing to restore professionalism within its ranks and refocus officers on core law enforcement responsibilities across the country.
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