Police deploys special task team to enforce ban on VIP escorts

The Nigeria Police Force has activated a Special Enforcement Team in Lagos to ensure strict compliance with President Bola Tinubu’s order ending the use of police officers for escort and guard duties for Very Important Persons.

In a statement shared on Saturday on the Force’s X account, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed that the dedicated monitoring operation began across Lagos on December 6, 2025, at around 10:00 a.m.

According to Hundeyin, the team conducted checks at major points, including the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge, the domestic terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, and several other strategic spots within the state.

He reported that officers observed “satisfactory and commendable” compliance with the presidential directive, noting that there were no instances of unauthorised police escort use and that no arrests were recorded.

The statement further noted, “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 the protection of lives and property across the country.”

Hundeyin added that the enforcement effort would continue nationwide “without fear or favour,” calling on Nigerians to support the drive for a more professional, efficient, and citizen-focused police service.

Recall that President Tinubu directed the withdrawal of all police officers assigned to VIP protection, instructing that they be reassigned to frontline policing roles.

The directive was issued during a security meeting held on November 23 in Abuja with service chiefs and the Director-General of the Department of State Services.

As explained in a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, VIP protection will now be handled by armed personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. The policy seeks to free up police manpower for critical operations, particularly in underserved communities, and enhance national security efficiency.