Tinubu Orders Withdrawal of Police Personnel From VIPs

The Minister of State for Police Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, has confirmed that the police high command will implement President Bola Tinubu’s directive to withdraw police personnel from VIP security duties, and focus on developing a community policing strategy, among other reforms.

The minister made this known on Monday at a two-day management retreat at the Ministry of Police Affairs.

The minister said that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Ministry of Police Affairs were facing a critical situation, as they were dealing with the effects of decades of neglect that had affected their ability to fulfil their constitutional mandate.

She said that the ministry was committed to aligning its efforts with the president’s vision for a renewed, highly effective NPF.

Suleiman-Ibrahim highlighted the roles and responsibilities of the different departments of the ministry, and urged them to improve their performance and accountability.

She said that the Police Inspectorate Department should focus on robust monitoring, evaluation, and learning, and ensure that the reports were factual, practical, and evidence-based. She also said that the department should champion the review of the curriculum of the training institutions to reflect the evolving landscape of law enforcement, and incorporate contemporary practices and international standards.

She said that the Police Service Department should ensure administrative optimization, and update the relevant policies and procedures for the police. She also said that the department should foster the adoption of cutting-edge technology, and be at the forefront of efforts to evolve an intelligence-led, technology-driven, inclusive, and community-based police force in Nigeria.

She said that the Planning, Research, and Statistics Department should position itself as a knowledge hub, and conduct cutting-edge research to inform policymaking. She also said that the department should foster partnerships with renowned research institutions, and stay current with global trends.

She said that the ministry had key mandates, such as developing and implementing a harmonized police reform report, amending the Police Act, executing the president’s directive on the withdrawal of police personnel from VIP security duties, and developing a community policing strategy, among others. She said that these mandates were not mere tasks, but transformative initiatives that could enhance internal security in Nigeria.

The minister’s confirmation came after the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, announced plans to withdraw Police Mobile Force personnel from VIP escort/guard duties in June, and establish a 40,000-man Special Intervention Squad. Egbetokun said that the move was to allow the police to take back its place in the ‘internal security architecture’ of the country.

However, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, clarified last week that the NPF did not intend to strip VIPs who were legally and statutorily entitled to police escorts of their security details, as that would be unsafe and counterproductive.

 He said that the directive was only meant to withdraw the excess police personnel attached to some VIPs, and redeploy them to other duties. He also said that the NPF was working on a new policy framework to regulate the deployment of police personnel to VIPs.

He said, “Get the message right: We understand that there has been some misunderstanding regarding the directive of IGP Olukayode Egbetokun about withdrawing members of the Police Mobile Force Unit from Specialized Escort and Services for VIPs. It’s crucial to provide clarifications to address this.

“First and foremost, let us be clear: at no point did the Force intend to strip VIPs (who are legally and statutorily entitled to Police escorts) of their security details. Doing so would be unsafe and counterproductive. Instead, the objective is to reassign the withdrawn PMF personnel to the recently established Special Intervention Squad.

“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.

“To eliminate any misunderstandings, it’s crucial to clarify that the withdrawal of Police Mobile Force personnel does not equate to a blanket ban on all Police Officers from providing VIP escort services. This withdrawal pertains specifically to PMF personnel, who are just one unit within the broader Police Force.

“We encourage everyone to read the full contents of our press statements rather than giving headlines whimsical meanings and spreading distorted information. For a comprehensive understanding of this matter, we strongly recommend referring to our press releases dated June 29, 2023, July 10, 2023, and July 24, 2023. These statements provide a clear and accurate perspective on this directive.”

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