The Nigeria Police Force has ordered the immediate recall of all officers attached to several top politicians, former public officials and traditional rulers following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s new directive on VIP security withdrawal.
The move is part of the President’s nationwide security emergency, which includes redeploying police personnel from VIP escorts to high-risk communities across the country.
Tinubu Orders Withdrawal of VIP Police Escorts
President Tinubu, during a high-level security meeting in Abuja, instructed that police officers attached to VIPs must return to core policing duties to boost national security.
The meeting was attended by:
Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu – Chief of Army Staff
Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke – Chief of Air Staff
IGP Kayode Egbetokun
DSS DG Tosin Adeola Ajayi
The President noted that too many officers are assigned to politicians and influential individuals while rural communities face serious threats from terrorists, kidnappers and bandits.
Police Mobile Force Issues Recall Notice
In compliance with the directive, the 50 Police Mobile Force (PMF) Squadron in Kubwa, Abuja, released an official memo ordering all officers attached to 20 VIPs to report back to base by 2:00 p.m., Thursday, November 27, 2025.
The internal memo, referenced AB: 4087/FCT/50PMF/VOL.10 and signed by CSP Suleiman Abdullahi, stated:
“All personnel attached to the underlisted VIPs are to report back to base without delay for immediate redeployment.”
VIPs Affected by the Police Withdrawal
According to the list circulating internally, the following prominent individuals are affected:
Atiku Abubakar
Namadi Sambo
Nyesom Wike
Aisha Buhari
Justice Kudirat Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun
HRM Ogiame Atuwatse III
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
Senator Ahmed Lawal
Senator Tanko Al-Makura
Dr. Ramatu Tijjani
Hon. Yusuf Gagdi
Hon. Ibrahim Masari
…and others captured in the memo
NSCDC to Handle VIP Protection Going Forward
Under the new security framework, VIPs who still require escorts must formally apply to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The police will no longer provide personal protection for politicians, former leaders, or traditional rulers.
What This Means
The withdrawal is expected to:
Increase police presence in insecure regions
Free up manpower for anti-banditry operations
Reduce misuse of police escorts
Strengthen the government’s new national security strategy
More updates are expected as the policy is fully implemented nationwide.
