Tinubu Orders Withdrawal Of Police Escorts From VIPs

President Bola Tinubu has issued an important directive directing the removal of police officers from Very Important Personalities (VIPs), a decision that has sparked debate in the country. This directive, which was made public by Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of State for Police Affairs, represents a significant change in the way that police are conducted and has generated discussions about its possible consequences.

The decision to withdraw police personnel from VIPs raises questions about the traditional allocation of law enforcement resources. Historically, VIPs have enjoyed a high level of police protection, often at the expense of other critical areas. This move by President Tinubu signals a reevaluation of policing priorities, suggesting a shift towards a more equitable distribution of resources.

The Minister of State for Police Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has disclosed that President Bola Tinubu directed the planned withdrawal of police personnel from very important VIPs.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim said Tinubu’s directive will be implemented by the Ministry, adding that the mandate also includes amending the Nigerian Police Act

She disclosed this during a 2-Day Retreat for Directorate Cadre with the theme ‘Re: Envisioning the Ministry of Police Affairs for Effective Internal Security: Strengthening Administration and Management Functions for Resilience and Efficiency’, in Abuja.

According to the minister, “the key mandates of the Ministry of Police Affairs are 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.

“These mandates are not mere tasks but transformative initiatives that can enhance internal security in Nigeria.

“The Nigeria Police Force finds itself at a critical juncture and is currently struggling with the consequences of decades of neglect that have hindered its ability to fulfill its constitutional mandate.

“The Ministry of Police Affairs has also not been spared. However, given Mr. President’s commitment to reforming the Nigeria Police Force, the Ministry is now positioned at the forefront of the Police Transformation Agenda, and it must rise to the challenge.

“The Ministry must bear this weighty responsibility of ensuring coordination and creating the enabling frameworks to steer the Nigeria Police Force towards improved technical and operational effectiveness.”