The Federal Government has withdrawn 11,566 police officers from VIP protection duties, redirecting them to critical community policing roles amid rising insecurity across northern states.

The mass recall, ordered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is part of a renewed effort to strengthen rural security and combat the surge in kidnappings in Kwara, Kebbi, Niger, and other regions.

Inspector‑General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, speaking in Abuja, emphasized that the withdrawal was not punitive but strategic.

“In line with the President’s directive, we have withdrawn 11,566 personnel from VIP protection. These officers are being redeployed to critical policing duties immediately,” he said.

VIPs Seek NSCDC Escorts

Findings revealed that several politicians were among those affected, including former SDP presidential candidate Prince Adewole Adebayo and suspended PDP National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu.

Adebayo was spotted in Abuja accompanied by NSCDC operatives and private guards. Anyanwu confirmed his police escorts were withdrawn, adding that he has applied to the NSCDC for protection.

While supporting the policy, he urged government to prioritize top political figures and elder statesmen.

Opinions among political leaders remain divided. APC South‑East Vice Chairman Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu warned that withdrawing VIP escorts could worsen insecurity, while PDP Deputy National Youth Leader Tim Osadolor argued Nigeria should emulate countries where officials move without heavy security details.

Senator Ali Ndume backed the withdrawal, calling it one of Tinubu’s “best decisions,” and condemned the extensive use of police by ministers, their spouses, and children. Some lawmakers, however, labeled the directive “unrealistic,” citing VIPs’ vulnerability to political violence.

House Majority Leader Julius Ihonvbere urged clearer guidelines, noting the risks of traveling through kidnap‑prone zones.

Calls for Tougher Anti-Kidnapping Laws

Senator Francis Fadahunsi suggested Nigeria should allow responsible citizens to bear arms, pointing out that over 120 countries permit civilian gun ownership.

He also advocated the death penalty for kidnappers and negotiators.

Within 24 hours, the Senate introduced a bill sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele to classify all forms of kidnapping as terrorism, punishable by death.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the law should leave no room for judicial discretion.

The Association of Licensed Private Security Practitioners of Nigeria (ALPSPN) welcomed the reforms but stressed the need to modernize the 38‑year‑old law regulating private security operations.

Interim chairman Maj. Gen. Elvis Njoku (retd.) noted that the sector now handles corporate security, VIP protection, event safety, and community surveillance, requiring updated legislation on data protection, surveillance tools, and expanded operational roles.

Njoku commended President Tinubu’s reforms and urged members to unite behind the push for legislative changes.