Special Protection Unit of the Nigeria Police Force has begun recalling all officers attached to VIPs and special beats nationwide.
This compliance action follows the November 23 directive by President Bola Tinubu ordering the immediate withdrawal of police personnel from VIP security assignments across the country.
A memo issued by the Commanding Officer of SPU Base 16 in Lagos, Neji Veronica, and circulated on today by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, instructed all affected officers to return to their bases on or before November 24.
The officers were also directed to attend a lecture parade the following day, with attendance to be captured through the nominal roll.
Under the new security arrangement, individuals or groups requiring armed protection are expected to request personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps instead of relying on the police.
According to the Presidency, the policy aims to strengthen police presence in communities, particularly in remote areas where stations are severely understaffed and residents remain vulnerable to attacks.
The move is intended to ensure that police officers focus on core policing functions rather than VIP protection.
To support the initiative, President Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 30,000 additional police officers nationwide, alongside plans to upgrade training facilities in partnership with state governments.
The development comes amid rising security concerns in parts of Northern Nigeria, including recent attacks in Kebbi and Kwara States.
