The Special Protection Unit (SPU) of the Nigeria Police Force has ordered all officers attached to Very Important Persons (VIPs) and special beats to return to their bases immediately, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive withdrawing police personnel from VIP security duties nationwide.
The presidential directive, issued on November 23, mandates the immediate redeployment of officers assigned to protect individuals, with the aim of strengthening police presence in communities grappling with rising insecurity.
In a memo signed by Neji Veronica, Commanding Officer of SPU Base 16 in Lagos—and circulated by the Presidency via X on Tuesday—the unit directed all affected officers to report back to base before the close of business on November 24.
“Sequel to the directive of Mr President and C-in-C 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,” the memo stated.
“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 security arrangement, VIPs who still require armed protection are expected to request such services from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), rather than the police.
According to the Presidency, the policy is designed to redeploy police officers to underserved communities—particularly remote areas where police stations are understaffed and residents remain vulnerable to criminal attacks.
“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 Presidency noted, adding that President Tinubu wants officers “to concentrate on their core police duties.”
To reinforce the shift, the President has approved the recruitment of 30,000 new police personnel nationwide, with ongoing plans to upgrade training facilities in partnership with state governments.
