A major shift in police deployment has taken effect as the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, announced on Thursday that 11,566 officers have been pulled out of VIP protection following President Bola Tinubu’s directive.
Egbetokun revealed during the strategic commanders’ conference that the affected personnel are already being reassigned to vulnerable and underserved communities where security presence is urgently needed.
He explained that the presidential order marks a decisive realignment of policing priorities, describing it as a necessary response to Nigeria’s current security challenges rather than a sentimental decision.
He noted that the move restores the Police Force’s core duty of protecting the public, strengthening community defence, and maintaining public order across the country.
He stressed that transferring officers from personalised VIP guard duty to public-facing assignments will enhance visibility patrols, boost rural and township security, expand investigative capacity, and improve response to violent threats.
He also cautioned that the police leadership is managing the implementation with care to prevent misinformation, misinterpretation, or political exploitation by individuals who may try to distort the purpose of the directive.
He added that the Force will soon release detailed implementation guidelines, clearly outlining processes, timelines, internal safeguards, and accountability measures before sharing them publicly.
He assured Nigerians that the intention is to strengthen policing operations, protect institutional credibility, and block attempts by impostors or opportunists who may try to take advantage of the transition.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier declared a nationwide security emergency, ordering fresh recruitment into the Armed Forces and the Police, and directing that officers withdrawn from VIP duties undergo rapid training before deployment to high-risk areas.
