IGP withdraws 11,566 Policemen from VIP Escorts following Tinubu’s order

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, has confirmed the withdrawal of 11,566 police officers from VIP protection duties as part of a sweeping reform to boost manpower for frontline policing and strengthen national security.

President Bola Tinubu had ordered the withdrawal of policemen guarding VIPs as part of move to boost security and curb rising insecurity in the country.

Egbetokun announced the development on Thursday during a high-level strategic conference with senior police officers at the Peacekeeping Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

He said the withdrawals form part of the ongoing implementation of the Presidential Directive aimed at returning more officers to core policing roles.

According to the IGP, redeploying the officers is essential to restoring balance in personnel allocation and improving police visibility nationwide, especially as the country approaches the yuletide season.

He explained that officers previously assigned to VIPs would be immediately deployed to reinforce security operations, expand patrol coverage, and enhance response capacity across states.

At the conference, Egbetokun praised senior officers for their dedication and resilience, but stressed that the new operational direction requires deeper intelligence gathering, expanded community policing, sustained citizen engagement, and the professional protection of vulnerable communities.

He issued fresh directives to Commissioners of Police and tactical commanders, mandating them to scale up visible policing, deter crime before year-end festivities, and reassure Nigerians of their safety.

Egbetokun noted that the withdrawal of VIP escorts is not punitive but a strategic necessity to strengthen general policing operations and ensure optimal use of limited manpower.

Reaffirming the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force, the IGP said the Force would continue to take all necessary measures to guarantee a safe and secure environment for citizens and visitors alike.