The Special Protection Unit (SPU) of the Nigeria Police Force has directed all officers attached to VIPs and specialised beats across the country to return to their respective bases, following a presidential order mandating the immediate withdrawal of police personnel from VIP security assignments.
The directive, issued on 23 November by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is part of a broader reform aimed at strengthening community policing and reallocating the workforce to areas most affected by insecurity. A memo confirming the SPU order was signed by the Commanding Officer of SPU Base 16 in Lagos, Neji Veronica, and circulated on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the memo, all affected officers are expected to report back to base before the close of business on Monday, 24 November 2025, and attend a mandatory lecture parade the following day. “Attendance shall be taken from the nominal roll,” the memo warned, stressing strict compliance.
The directive states: “In 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.”
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Under the new security arrangement, VIPs who require armed protection will now be expected to request personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The Presidency said the decision aims to ensure that police officers focus on essential policing duties rather than guarding politicians, business executives, and other high-profile individuals.
“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, adding that the President wants officers “to concentrate on their core police duties.”
To support the transition and expand national security capacity, Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 30,000 new police officers. Efforts are also underway to upgrade police training facilities in partnership with state governments.
The decision comes amid rising security concerns, following recent attacks in Kebbi and Kwara states that have drawn nationwide attention. Security analysts believe the redeployment could significantly improve law enforcement visibility in underserved communities.
