The VIP police withdrawal directive by the Nigeria Police Force aimed to pull officers from private and VIP duties. However, many officers have reportedly found ways to bypass the order, sources told SaharaReporters.
Officers Resort to Disguises
Some police officers affected by the VIP police withdrawal are now wearing vigilante and NSCDC uniforms. This allows them to continue duties without detection.
Sources revealed that officers also use corporate suits and operate as private drivers for VIPs. Armed protection continues despite the directive.
“Each officer returned their service rifle, only to have it reissued after paying ₦500,000. They then resumed duty as usual,” a source explained.
Withdrawal Directive and Presidential Order
On November 23, 2025, President Bola Tinubu directed the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to withdraw officers from VIP protection. They were instructed to return to base and redeploy to core policing roles.
The move aimed to address rising insecurity in states like Kebbi and Niger. Thousands of police officers had been tied to politicians, celebrities, and businessmen, leaving ordinary citizens vulnerable.
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Tinubu emphasized that VIPs requiring protection should now seek personnel from the NSCDC. He also approved recruiting 30,000 additional officers to strengthen policing capacity.
Resistance and Enforcement Challenges
Despite forming a monitoring team, enforcement of the VIP police withdrawal has been largely symbolic. Only a few officers were temporarily arrested and quickly released, sources said.
The directive has faced resistance from parts of the political elite. Some senators claimed they would struggle to safely visit their constituencies without police escorts. Senate President Godswill Akpabio echoed these concerns during the presentation of the 2026 Appropriation Bill.
Policy Ineffectiveness
Sources argue that the VIP police withdrawal has had minimal impact. Officers continue informal arrangements, often benefiting senior personnel.
“This so-called withdrawal has changed nothing. It only enriches senior officers while the charade continues,” a source noted.
Previous administrations also attempted similar withdrawals, but enforcement proved weak. Observers say meaningful reduction in VIP policing remains unlikely without stricter accountability.
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