The Nigeria Police Force has announced broad obedience to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive halting the use of police officers for VIP escort and guard assignments.
According to a statement issued in Abuja by Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Force Headquarters set up a special team to track compliance with the presidential instruction.
The report has it that the team began its operation at about 10:00 am on December 6, moving through key locations in Lagos State such as the Lekki–Ikoyi Link Bridge, the domestic terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, and other selected points.
Findings from the exercise showed what the statement described as “a satisfactory and commendable level of compliance” among personnel.
The report added that “no case of unauthorised deployment of police personnel for VIP escort duties was recorded during the monitoring,” which meant no arrests were made.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, restated that the Force will carry out the presidential order fully. He said the redeployment of officers to core policing roles is targeted at improving public safety, crime prevention and protection of citizens nationwide.
The Police, therefore, assured Nigerians that the enforcement would continue across the country “without fear or favour” and called for public cooperation as the Force pursues a more citizen-focused approach to policing.
The statement reads in part: “The Nigeria Police Force wishes to inform the general public that, in strict compliance with the directive of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, prohibiting the deployment of police personnel for VIP escort and guard duties, the Force Headquarters constituted a special enforcement team to monitor and ensure total adherence to the presidential order.
“On 6th December 2025, commencing at about 1000 hours, the enforcement team carried out an extensive monitoring exercise across key locations in Lagos State, including the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge, the Domestic Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, and several other strategic points.
“The exercise revealed a satisfactory and commendable level of compliance by officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force. No case of unauthorised deployment of police personnel for VIP escort duties was recorded during the monitoring, and consequently, no arrest was made.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, reiterates the Force’s commitment to the full implementation of the presidential directive. The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in redeploying its personnel to core policing duties aimed at enhancing general security, crime prevention, and protection of lives and property across the country.
“Members of the public are assured that the Nigeria Police Force will continue to enforce this policy nationwide without fear or favour and urges continued support as the Force works towards a more professional, efficient, and citizen-centered policing system.”
