Minister of State for Police Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim has confirmed the execution of President Bola Tinubu’s directive for the withdrawal of police personnel from VIP security duties.
Gatekeepers News reports that the announcement was made on Monday during a two-day management retreat at the Ministry of Police Affairs.
Suleiman-Ibrahim emphasized the ministry’s commitment to aligning efforts with the President’s vision for a renewed and highly effective Nigeria Police Force (NPF). The withdrawal aligns with broader efforts to reform the police force and optimize its functioning.
Suleiman-Ibrahim said, “The Police Inspectorate Department, in particular, should evolve its operations to focus on robust monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning. Reports must be factual, practical, and evidence-based, and serve as critical tools for enhancing police performance. It must champion the review of the curriculum of the training institutions to ensure they are reflective of the evolving landscape of law enforcement, incorporating contemporary practices and international standards.
“The Police Service Department has multifaceted responsibilities and must rise to the occasion by ensuring administrative optimization, making sure that relevant policies and procedures for the police are in place and up to date while also fostering the adoption of cutting-edge technology. It must be at the forefront of efforts to ensure we evolve an intelligence-led, technology-driven, inclusive, and community-based police force in Nigeria.
“The Planning, Research, and Statistics Department must position itself as a knowledge hub, providing historical insights and conducting cutting-edge research to inform policymaking. By fostering partnerships with renowned research institutions and staying current with global trends, this department will play a vital role in shaping evidence-based strategies for the Nigerian Police Force.
“As you are aware, our key mandates include developing and implementing a harmonized police reform report, amending the Police Act, executing Mr President’s directive on the withdrawal of police personnel from VIP security duties, and developing a community policing strategy, amongst others. We must not see these mandates as mere tasks but as transformative initiatives that can enhance internal security in Nigeria.”
In June, the Inspector General of Police announced plans to withdraw Police Mobile Force personnel from VIP escort duties, aiming to allow the police to reclaim its role in the country’s internal security architecture.
The clarification emphasized that VIPs legally entitled to police escorts will still receive security details, while the withdrawn personnel will be reassigned to the recently established Special Intervention Squad.
