The Nigeria Police Force has stated that it does not intend to withdraw the security details attached to VIPs legally entitled to such services.
This was revealed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Force’s spokesman, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
Individuals who require specialized security details will continue to receive them through other sections within the force, such as the Special Protection Unit, according to the statement.
Individuals who do not satisfy the legal requirements for VIP security details, on the other hand, will be subjected to a rigorous screening process, with their applications thoroughly evaluated if necessary.
The explanation attempted to clear up any confusion and stressed that the removal of Police Mobile Force members should not be interpreted as a blanket prohibition on all police officers performing VIP escort services. The directive applies only to PMF troops, who are a subset of the larger Police Force.
He said, “We understand that there has been some misunderstanding regarding the directive of IGP Kayode Egbetokun about withdrawing members of the Police Mobile Force Unit from specialized escort and guard services for VIPs. It’s crucial to provide clarifications to address this.
“First and foremost, let us be clear: at no point did the Force intend to strip VIPs (legally and statutorily entitled to police escorts) of their security details. Doing so would be unsafe and counterproductive. Instead, the objective is to reassign the withdrawn PMF personnel to the recently established Special Intervention Squad.
“For those who genuinely require specialized police escorts, this vital service will continue to be provided by other units of the force, such as the Special Protection Unit. However, individuals who do not fall within and enjoy the legal framework for such security details would be strictly screened, and their applications would be thoroughly assessed for consideration if necessary.
“To eliminate misunderstandings, it’s crucial to clarify that the withdrawal of Police Mobile Force personnel does not equate to a blanket ban on all police officers from providing VIP escort services. This withdrawal pertains specifically to PMF personnel, who are just one unit within the broader police force.
“We encourage everyone to read the full contents of our press statements rather than giving headlines whimsical meanings and spreading distorted information. For a comprehensive understanding of this matter, we strongly recommend you peruse our press releases dated June 29, 2023, July 10, 2023, and July 23, 2023. These statements provide a clear and accurate perspective on this directive.”
