The Minister of State for Police Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, disclosed on Monday that the Nigerian police high command would execute President Bola Tinubu’s directive to withdraw police personnel from VIP security duties.
This announcement was made during a two-day management retreat at the Ministry of Police Affairs.
Suleiman-Ibrahim emphasized the commitment to aligning efforts with President Tinubu’s vision for a renewed and highly effective Nigeria Police Force.
She noted the critical juncture at which the police and the Ministry of Police Affairs find themselves, acknowledging the challenges arising from decades of neglect hindering their ability to fulfill constitutional mandates.
She outlined specific mandates for various police departments, stating, “Our key mandates include developing and implementing a harmonized police reform report, amending the Police Act, executing Mr. President’s directive on the withdrawal of police personnel from VIP security duties, and developing a community policing strategy, amongst others. We must not see these mandates as mere tasks but as transformative initiatives that can enhance internal security in Nigeria.”
Earlier this year, Inspector General of Police Olukayode Egbetokun had announced plans to withdraw Police Mobile Force personnel from VIP escort/guard duties, aiming to strengthen the police’s role in the country’s internal security architecture.
However, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, clarified that the intention was not to strip legally entitled VIPs of their security details but to reassign the withdrawn personnel to the recently established Special Intervention Squad.
Adejobi emphasized, “For those who genuinely require specialized police escorts, this vital service will continue to be provided by other units of the Force, such as the Special Protection Unit. However, individuals who do not fall within and enjoy the legal framework for such security details would strictly be screened and their applications thoroughly assessed for consideration, if necessary.”
