The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has ordered all officers assigned to VIPs and routine beats across the country to return to their bases, following a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Announced on November 23, 2025, the presidential directive instructs the immediate withdrawal of police personnel providing VIP security, signaling a major shift in the allocation of law enforcement resources.
In a memo issued by Neji Veronica, Commanding Officer of SPU Base 16 in Lagos, and shared on X by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, officers were given strict instructions to report back to their respective bases before the close of business on November 24.
The memo read in part: “Sequel to the directive of Mr. President and Commander-in-Chief 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. 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.”
Under the new arrangement, VIPs requiring personal security will now request armed personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), rather than relying on police officers.
The Presidency explained that the measure is designed to strengthen police presence in communities, particularly in remote and underserved areas where stations are often understaffed and citizens vulnerable.
“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 said, emphasising that Tinubu wants officers “to concentrate on their core police duties.”
In support of this policy shift, the President has approved the recruitment of 30,000 new police officers nationwide and plans to upgrade training facilities in collaboration with state governments.
The decision comes amid a recent surge in attacks in Northern Nigeria, including incidents in Kebbi and Kwara states, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced community policing.
