ABUJA — The Force Headquarters has intensified its crackdown on unauthorized VIP protection duties, issuing a new directive warning police officers against escorting Very Important Persons (VIPs) in mufti or uniform without proper authorization. The police leadership described such actions as illegal and a clear breach of standing orders.
The warning was contained in a wireless message sent by the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Protection, Force Headquarters, Abuja (AIG Protect FHQ), to all Police Protection Units nationwide.
The message, referenced CB: 4001/DOPS/SPU/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.20, reiterated the Inspector General of Police’s earlier directive withdrawing personnel from unauthorized VIP escorts and banning officers from performing such duties in plain clothes.
“It has been observed that some officers continue to follow VIPs in mufti in violation of this order. All officers and men are to desist immediately, as anyone found in breach will be dealt with accordingly,” the message stated.
The directive was copied to all Zonal and State Police Commands, the FCT Command, and various Police Formations and Special Units, with instructions to acknowledge receipt and treat the order as urgent and important.
To ensure compliance, the Force Headquarters has deployed special intelligence and provost teams to airports across the country. These teams are tasked with apprehending officers found escorting VIPs in mufti in violation of the standing order.
The measure follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s earlier directive to strengthen national security. The President had ordered the withdrawal of police officers assigned to VIPs, directing that they be reassigned to core policing duties amid growing insecurity, including kidnappings and community attacks.
VIPs in need of security, according to the Presidency, are advised to request armed protection personnel from the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) as an alternative.
