A public affairs analyst, Wale Akande, says the presidential directive ordering the withdrawal of police escorts from VIPs and VVIPs is currently in progress but cannot be fully implemented immediately.
Akande explained that several security and administrative complications make the process more gradual than expected. According to him, insights from security experts and serving police officers show that the directive is too complex to execute swiftly.
A few weeks ago, President Bola Tinubu ordered the removal of police officers attached to VIPs as part of efforts to address rising insecurity across the country. The President instructed the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to begin implementation without delay.
However, many Nigerians say the policy has not yet taken full effect. Akande linked the slow pace to multiple bottlenecks, noting that some individuals — including foreign investors and persons with documented security threats — were assigned police protection based on official assessments.
He added that even with the planned withdrawal of around 12,000 officers, many may not be immediately ready for redeployment to community policing roles due to issues of equipment, training, and motivation.
The presidential directive has also sparked reactions at the National Assembly. On Wednesday, the Senate announced plans to probe what it described as the “selective enforcement” of the policy, following complaints that lawmakers were being singled out while other influential Nigerians still enjoy full police protection.
Some senators warned that inconsistent implementation could put them at greater risk.
Despite the concerns, President Tinubu insisted there would be no reversal of the order. During the Federal Executive Council meeting, he encouraged officials with legitimate security needs to channel their requests through the IGP for clearance.
Tinubu also directed the Minister of Interior to work with the police and civil defence authorities to provide alternative security arrangements where necessary. He further instructed the NSA and DSS to form a committee to review the current structure and provide additional recommendations.
