The Special Protection Unit (SPU) in the police has ordered all officers attached to VIPs and beats nationwide to return “back to base”.
On November 23, President Bola Tinubu ordered the immediate withdrawal of police officers attached to VIPs across the country.
In a memo signed by Neji Veronica, commanding officer of the SPU Base 16 in Lagos, and shared by the presidency on X, all affected officers were instructed to return before the close of business on November 24.
The commanding officer said the order is effective immediately and must be strictly complied with.
“Sequel to the directive of Mr President and C-in-C of the armed forces on the withdrawal of Police personnel attached to VIPs, the Commanding Officer directs with immediate effect the withdrawal of all personnel of SPU Base 16 attached to VIPs/Beats across the federation back to Base,” the statement reads.
“You are all warned to report back before the end of today Monday, 24/11/2025 and all to attend the Lecture Parade tomorrow. Attendance shall be taken from the nominal roll.
“This is for your information and strict compliance.”
The president had said under the new arrangement, VIPs who require security protection will be expected to request armed personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), rather than the police.
The presidency stated that the move is aimed at boosting police presence in communities, especially remote areas where stations are understaffed and citizens remain vulnerable to attacks.
“Many parts of Nigeria, especially remote areas, have few policemen at the stations, thus making the task of protecting and defending the people difficult,” the statement from the presidency had read, noting that Tinubu wants officers “to concentrate on their core police duties”.
To reinforce the new push, Tinubu has also approved the recruitment of 30,000 police officers nationwide, “with plans underway to upgrade training facilities in collaboration with state governments”.
