Nigeria Police Launch Special Taskforce to Enforce VIP Escort Ban Nationwide
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has activated a Special Enforcement Team to implement the Federal Government’s Nationwide ban on Police Escorts for Very Important Persons (VIPs), a move aimed at reinforcing frontline policing and enhancing community security.
The Force’s Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed that the operation commenced on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. in Lagos, covering strategic locations such as the Lekki–Ikoyi Link Bridge and the domestic terminal of Murtala Muhammed International Airport. According to Hundeyin, inspections carried out by the enforcement team found no unauthorised VIP escort activities in the State, which he described as “satisfactory and commendable.”
The directive to halt pyolice escorts comes directly from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s office, following concerns that Officers assigned to VIP protection were being diverted from core policing duties. Under the new framework, personnel previously tasked with providing VIP security have been redeployed to frontline operations, including community patrols and crime prevention initiatives.
Hundeyin emphasized that any VIP requiring security protection must now obtain services through the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), rather than the Nigeria Police Force. This measure is intended to free up Police manpower, allowing Officers to focus on maintaining law and order, responding to emergencies, and addressing the security needs of ordinary citizens.
The NPF has assured the public that the VIP escort ban will be enforced “without fear or favour,” urging citizens to support the initiative and collaborate with law enforcement to build a more professional, community-focused policing system.
Observers note that the shift could improve police efficiency Nationwide while reducing the perception of inequality in security provision. The Special Enforcement Team is expected to monitor compliance across states in the coming weeks, ensuring the full implementation of the directive.
Global Mirror News will continue to follow developments and report on further enforcement actions as they unfold.
