In a bold restructuring of Nigeria’s security architecture, the Nigeria Police Force has issued an immediate recall of officers attached to several high-profile political figures and public officials, following a presidential directive aimed at strengthening frontline policing across the country.
A memo issued by the Police Mobile Force 50 Squadron in Kubwa, Abuja, ordered all personnel deployed for VIP protection to return to base by 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 27, 2025. The directive affects security details attached to 20 Very Important Persons, including former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar and Namadi Sambo, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, former First Lady Aisha Buhari, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, and the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III.
The formal instruction—referenced AB: 4087/FCT/50PMF/VOL.10/ and signed by CSP Suleiman Abdullahi—follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s weekend order withdrawing police officers from VIP duties nationwide. According to the President, the measure is designed to refocus the Force on its fundamental constitutional role of public protection, particularly in underserved and high-risk areas.
The list of affected VIPs includes political leaders, legislators, traditional rulers, senior government officials, and business figures. Under the new security arrangement, individuals requiring armed escorts must now request such services from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)—a shift intended to reduce the long-criticized diversion of police personnel away from community policing.
The directive comes amid broader security reforms discussed at a closed-door meeting attended by key national security heads, including the Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Air Staff, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services.
Signs of internal restructuring had already emerged earlier in the week. A separate memo from SPU Base 16 in Lagos, signed by Commanding Officer Neji Veronica, had mandated all officers attached to VIPs to return to base immediately, warning that attendance would be strictly monitored.
Legal analysts note that the policy represents a significant shift toward rebalancing police manpower, a longstanding concern in Nigeria where thousands of officers are routinely deployed for private protection while rural communities face severe security deficits.
The LegalObserver will continue to monitor the implementation of the directive and its implications for policing standards, accountability, and the legal framework governing the use of state security resources.
