Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has confirmed that 11,566 police officers previously assigned to private individuals have been withdrawn.
He announced this on Thursday during a meeting with senior police commanders in Abuja, explaining that the officers will be redeployed to states across the country to strengthen security. Egbetokun added that the withdrawal of officers serving as personal guards will be carried out in phases.
The development follows President Bola Tinubu’s recent directive ordering the immediate removal of police personnel attached to VIPs nationwide. According to Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the decision was part of resolutions from a high-level security meeting with Service Chiefs.
The directive aims to return the police to their core responsibilities and boost their presence in communities facing security threats. Under the new system, VIPs who need armed escorts must now apply through the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
