Police recall officers attached to VIPs

The Special Protection Unit (SPU) has issued a directive for all officers attached to VIPs and beats to return to base, effective immediately.

President Bola Tinubu on November 23 ordered the immediate withdrawal of police officers attached to VIPs in the country to combat the insecurity the country is presently battling.

In a memo signed by Neji Veronica, commanding officer of the SPU Base 16 in Lagos, and shared by the presidency via X on Tuesday, all affected officers were instructed to return before the close of business on Monday, November 24.

According to the commanding officer, the directive takes effect immediately and will be enforced strictly.

The statement reads, “Sequel to the directive of Mr President and C-in-C of the armed forces on the withdrawal of police personnel attached to VIPs, the Commanding Officer directs with immediate effect the withdrawal of all personnel of SPU Base 16 attached to VIPs/Beats across the federation back to Base.

“You are all warned to report back before the end of today, Monday, 24/11/2025, and all to attend the Lecture Parade tomorrow.

Attendance shall be taken from the nominal roll.“This is for your information and strict compliance.”

The president had said under the new arrangement, VIPs who require security protection will be expected to request armed personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), rather than the police.

The presidency said the move is aimed at boosting police presence in communities, especially remote areas where stations are understaffed and citizens remain vulnerable to attacks.

“Many parts of Nigeria, especially remote areas, have few police officers at the stations, thus making the task of protecting and defending the people difficult,” the statement from the presidency had read, noting that Tinubu wants officers “to concentrate on their core police duties.”

To reinforce the new push, Tinubu has also approved the recruitment of 30,000 police officers nationwide, “with plans underway to upgrade training facilities in collaboration with state governments.”