The Special Protection Unit (SPU) of the Nigeria Police Force has ordered all officers attached to VIPs and special beats nationwide to return “back to base.”
On November 23, President Bola Tinubu directed the immediate withdrawal of police officers assigned to VIPs across the country.
In a memo signed by Neji Veronica, the commanding officer of SPU Base 16 in Lagos, and shared by the presidency on X, all affected officers were instructed to return before the close of business on November 24.
The commanding officer stressed that the order takes immediate effect and must be strictly obeyed.
“Sequel to the directive of Mr President and Commander-in-Chief on the withdrawal of police personnel attached to VIPs, the Commanding Officer directs the immediate withdrawal of all personnel of SPU Base 16 attached to VIPs and beats across the federation back to base,” the statement read.
“You are warned to report back before the end of today, Monday, 24/11/2025, and attend the lecture parade tomorrow. Attendance will be taken from the nominal roll.
“This is for your information and strict compliance.”
The president had earlier said that under the new arrangement, VIPs who require security protection must request armed personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), rather than the police.
According to the presidency, the move aims to boost police presence in communities, particularly remote areas where stations are understaffed and residents are vulnerable to attacks.
“Many parts of Nigeria, especially remote areas, have few policemen at the stations, making the task of protecting and defending the people difficult,” the presidency noted, adding that Tinubu wants officers to focus on their core policing duties.
To support the new directive, Tinubu has also approved the recruitment of 30,000 police officers nationwide, with plans underway to upgrade training facilities in collaboration with state governments.
