The Nigeria Police Force has commenced the immediate withdrawal of officers attached to Very Important Persons (VIPs), following a directive issued by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on November 23.

A memo signed by the Commanding Officer of the Special Protection Unit (SPU) Base 16 in Lagos, Neji Veronica, and shared on Tuesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, instructed all affected personnel to return to their respective bases before the close of work on November 24.

The memo noted: “Following the directive of Mr President and Commander-in-Chief on the withdrawal of police personnel attached to VIPs, the Commanding Officer hereby orders the immediate return of all SPU Base 16 personnel attached to VIPs and duty posts nationwide. All affected officers must report back before the end of today, Monday, 24/11/2025, and attend the lecture parade tomorrow. Attendance will be taken from the nominal roll. Strict compliance is required.”

According to the Presidency, the decision is aimed at strengthening police presence in communities, particularly in rural areas where police stations are understaffed and residents face increasing security threats. Tinubu emphasised that police officers must now focus on their core responsibilities of maintaining law and order.

Under the new arrangement, VIPs seeking armed protection will now request personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), rather than relying on the police. The shift, the Presidency explained, is expected to boost operational capacity and improve public safety nationwide.

To support this transition, Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 30,000 additional police officers across the country. Plans are also underway to upgrade police training facilities in partnership with state governments.

The development comes amid rising insecurity in parts of Northern Nigeria, including recent attacks and abductions in Kebbi and Kwara states.