Police Personnel Ordered Back to Base from Nigerian VIPs, Following President Tinubu’s Directive
The Nigeria Police Force has begun implementing President Bola Tinubu’s order to immediately withdraw personnel providing security details for several Very Important Persons (VIPs) across the country. This measure is aimed at re-deploying officers to core policing duties to address security challenges.
An internal memo dated November 26, 2025, issued by the Office of the Squadron Commander of the 50th Mobile Police Force (PMF) Squadron, Kubwa Abuja, ordered that all personnel attached to the underlisted VIPs must report back to their base by 1400hrs (2 PM) today, November 27, 2025.
President Tinubu issued the directive to withdraw the officers on November 23, 2025, during a security meeting with service chiefs.
The objective is to bolster police presence in communities and remote areas where police stations are often understaffed. This move is expected to help combat kidnapping and other serious crimes nationwide.
Those Affected: The list of high-profile individuals whose police security is being withdrawn includes:
- Chief Judge of Nigeria
- FCT Minister Nyesom Wike
- Former Vice President Namadi Sambo
- Minister of State for Labour
- Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar
- Senator Tanko Almakura
- APC Women Leader
- Alh. Kamba
- Olu of Warri
- Hon Ngozi Iwela
- Senator Ahmed Lawal
- Hon. Khalifa Abdul
- Hon. Yusuf Gagdi
- Dr. Ramatu Tijjani
- Hon. Vetra
- Hon. Moses Ternege
- MD. Barelco
- Engr Okeke
- Former First Lady Aisha Buhari
- Hon. Ibrahim Massari
VIPs who still require armed security protection will now need to request personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) instead of the police. According to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, 11,566 officers have already been withdrawn from VIP security duty and will be immediately redeployed for active policing.
