Following the withdrawal of 11,566 policemen from VIP duties, prominent Nigerians are reportedly seeking orderlies and security escorts from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
The recall, ordered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is part of an effort to redirect overstretched police manpower to areas facing escalating threats, including kidnapping spikes in Kwara, Kebbi, Niger and other northern states.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun said the withdrawal was neither punitive nor political, but aimed at strengthening policing in communities ravaged by crime. “These officers are being redeployed to critical policing duties immediately,” he said.
Egbetokun added that the redeployment would enhance rural and township security, improve intelligence-led operations and boost rapid response capacity. He cautioned against misuse by criminals posing as law enforcement agents.
Several political figures, including former SDP presidential candidate Prince Adewole Adebayo and suspended PDP National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, have had their police details withdrawn. Reports indicate some have applied to the NSCDC for protection. Anyanwu expressed support for the policy but urged that priority be given to elder statesmen and national political officers.
Vice Chairman of the APC South-East, Dr Ijeoma Arodiogbu, noted that VIP security should be prioritised for high-risk individuals, warning that indiscriminate withdrawal could compromise safety.
Deputy National Youth Leader of the PDP, Tim Osadolor, said Nigerians should prepare for a future where VIPs move without personal police escorts.
The IGP also highlighted recent successes of the police, including arrests for armed robbery, kidnapping, murder and other serious crimes, as justification for redeploying personnel from VIP protection to frontline duties.
