Nationwide Shake-Up as IGP Orders Arrest of Police Officers Still Escorting VIPs
Nigeria’s Policing landscape was thrown into fresh turmoil on Monday after Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, ordered the immediate arrest of all Police Officers found escorting VIPs, marking the toughest enforcement yet of President Bola Tinubu’s directive to withdraw Police protection from Private individuals.
The sweeping order, communicated through a confidential wireless message to all commands, signals the IGP’s determination to crack down on Officers who have continued providing VIP escort services despite the official withdrawal of more than 11,500 Officers from private security duties Nationwide.
Under the directive, only authorised units including the X-Squad, IGP Monitoring Unit, and select tactical teams are permitted to enforce arrests, a move aimed at preventing sabotage or internal compromise. Senior officers who fail to ensure compliance will also face disciplinary action.
Pressure Mounts Inside the Force
Sources within the Nigeria Police Force told Global Mirror News that resistance has been building among ofyficers who previously depended on VIP assignments, which often provided extra income and influence.
“This is the first time the Force is not just withdrawing personnel but threatening arrests,” a Senior Officer said. “It has created tension because many VIPs are quietly calling their escorts back.”
The IGP’s latest clampdown follows President Tinubu’s November directive ordering the withdrawal of Police escorts from politicians, businesspersons, clerics, and traditional rulers, a move designed to free manpower for frontline security duties amid worsening Nationwide insecurity.
VIPs Scramble, NSCDC Steps In
With Police escorts now off-limits, influential individuals across the country are reportedly turning to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for armed protection. The shift has triggered a sudden surge in applications for private security approval.
Security analysts say this transition could reshape Nigeria’s long-standing culture of VIP Policing.
“Removing Police escorts is a culture shift it challenges the belief that public office or wealth automatically guarantees armed Police protection,” said defence analyst Haruna Isa.
Will the Order Hold?
This is not the first time the Nigerian Government has attempted to strip VIPs of police escorts but past efforts were quietly overturned by political pressure. Many observers are watching to see whether the Tinubu administration will withstand the pushback.
Already, some VIPs have reportedly resisted the directive, insisting their security risks justify continued Police protection. Egbetokun’s arrest order appears designed to send a message: this time, enforcement will not be optional.
Security Gains or New Conflicts?
While many Nigerians support redeploying officers to communities hit by banditry, kidnapping, and violent crime, others worry the sudden change could expose high-profile individuals to new threats.
“More boots will return to the streets, but VIPs may feel vulnerable,” said a retired Deputy Commissioner.
The coming weeks will reveal whether the Police leadership can navigate the tension between National security priorities and longstanding political privileges.
