The police Special Protection Unit (SPU) has directed every officer currently deployed to VIP protection or special beats across the country to report back to their respective bases without delay.
Gatekeepers News reports that this follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s November 23 directive mandating the withdrawal of police personnel from VIP assignments nationwide.
A memo issued by Neji Veronica, the commanding officer of SPU Base 16 in Lagos, and circulated by the presidency on X, instructed all affected operatives to report back before the close of business on November 24. The directive, according to the memo, takes immediate effect and must be obeyed fully.
The statement reads, “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.”
“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 structure, VIPs who still require armed escorts will obtain them from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The presidency said the policy shift is part of a broader effort to increase police deployment to underserved communities where stations remain understaffed and attacks are frequent.
The presidency noted that “many parts of Nigeria, especially remote areas, have few policemen at the stations, thus making the task of protecting and defending the people difficult,” adding that Tinubu expects officers “to concentrate on their core police duties”.
To support the reform, the president has also authorized the recruitment of 30,000 additional police personnel, alongside plans in partnership with state governments, to upgrade police training facilities.
