The Special Protection Unit (SPU), of the Nigeria Police Force has ordered all officers attached to VIPs and special beats across the country to return to their bases. This move follows a directive issued on November 23, 2025, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who ordered the immediate withdrawal of police personnel assigned to VIP security nationwide.
In a memo signed by Neji Veronica, Commanding Officer of SPU Base 16 in Lagos, and shared on Tuesday by President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on X, all affected officers were instructed to report back before the close of business on November 24.
The memo reads:
“Sequel to the directive of Mr. President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces on the withdrawal of police personnel attached to VIPs, the Commanding Officer directs, with immediate effect, the withdrawal of all personnel of SPU Base 16 attached to VIPs/Beats across the federation back to base.
You are all warned to report back before the end of today, Monday, 24/11/2025, and all to attend the lecture parade tomorrow. Attendance shall be taken from the nominal roll. This is for your information and strict compliance.”
Shift in VIP Security Protocol
Under the new arrangement, VIPs requiring armed protection will now need to request security personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), rather than relying on the Nigeria Police Force.
The Presidency explained that the move aims to strengthen police presence in communities, particularly in remote areas where many police stations are understaffed and citizens are vulnerable to attacks. “Many parts of Nigeria, especially remote areas, have few policemen at the stations, thus making the task of protecting and defending the people difficult,” the statement noted. Tinubu emphasized that police officers should “concentrate on their core police duties.”
Bolstering the Force
In a related initiative, President Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 30,000 additional police officers nationwide. Plans are also underway to upgrade training facilities in collaboration with state governments, ensuring that the force is better equipped to meet the security needs of citizens across the country.
The move comes amid rising insecurity in Northern Nigeria, particularly in states such as Kebbi and Kwara, which have experienced an uptick in attacks in recent months. The redeployment of officers is expected to improve frontline policing, community safety, and rapid response to criminal activity.
Implications for Security and Governance
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Refocused policing: Police officers will now prioritize community safety, crime prevention, and rapid response duties, rather than VIP protection.
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Improved coverage in underserved areas: Redeployment is aimed at reducing the vulnerability of citizens in remote and high-risk areas.
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New security structure for VIPs: The NSCDC’s expanded role may redefine how VIPs access security services in the future.
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Challenges ahead: While the plan promises more efficient policing, questions remain about the NSCDC’s preparedness to handle the expanded VIP security responsibilities.
This decisive action reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to rebalancing security priorities in Nigeria — moving resources away from guarding the elite and toward protecting ordinary citizens. The success of the initiative will depend largely on how quickly redeployed officers can fill gaps in frontline policing and how effectively the NSCDC can handle VIP protection responsibilities.
May Nigeria Succeed.
