JUST IN : Police withdraw officers assigned to Atiku, Wike, Aisha Buhari, others

The Nigeria Police Force has begun recalling officers attached to prominent individuals nationwide, following President Bola  Tinubu’s directive that security personnel assigned to VIPs be removed and redirected to core policing duties.

In line with the presidential order, the Mobile Police Force’s 50 Squadron in Kubwa, Abuja, has instructed all personnel deployed as escorts to high-profile figures to return immediately.

A memo issued under reference AB: 4087/FCT/50PMF/VOL.10/ directs the affected officers to report back to base by 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 27, 2025.

The squadron’s commander listed 20 VIPs whose attached officers are affected.

They include former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar and Namadi Sambo, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, former First Lady Aisha Buhari, Chief Justice of Nigeria Justice Kudirat Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, and the Olu of Warri, His Royal Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III.

According to the memo dated November 26, the names on the withdrawal list include: Chief Judge of Nigeria; FCT Minister Nyesom Wike; Former Vice President Namadi Sambo; Minister of State for Labour; former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; Senator Tanko Almakura; APC Women Leader; Alhaji Kamba; and the Olu of Warri.

Others listed are Hon. Ngozi Iweala; Senator Ahmed Lawal; Hon. Khalifa Abdul; Hon. Yusuf Gagdi; Dr. Ramatu Tijjani; Hon. Vetra; Hon. Moses Ternege; Managing Director, Barelco; Engineer Okeke; Former First Lady Aisha Buhari and Hon. Ibrahim Massari.

The directive was signed by CSP Suleiman Abdullahi, the Administrative Officer of the 50 PMF in Kubwa.

President Tinubu had earlier announced the policy shift during a security briefing in Abuja on Sunday, attended by senior security chiefs including the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke; Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; and the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Tosin Adeola Ajayi.

Under the new arrangement, VIPs requiring protection must henceforth request armed operatives from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

This measure forms part of the administration’s plan to boost police presence across underserved communities, where low manpower has hindered effective law enforcement.

The policy has already triggered internal compliance movements within the police structure. On Wednesday, it was revealed that officers from SPU Base 16 in Lagos were ordered to return to base following a memo signed by Commanding Officer Neji Veronica.

The memo stated, “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.”

Reinforcing the urgency, it added: “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.”

(SAHARA REPORTERS)