The Nigeria Police Force has again cautioned its officers to stop engaging in illegal VIP escort duties following a nationwide monitoring exercise ordered by President Bola Tinubu.
A special team led by the Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun visited several strategic locations including the Lekki Ikoyi Link Bridge and the domestic wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport to ensure compliance with the directive withdrawing police escorts from Very Important Personalities.
According to Force PRO Benjamin Hundeyin officers across the country showed commendable compliance with no cases of unauthorized escorts or arrests recorded during the operation.
Egbetokun reaffirmed the force’s commitment to redeploying personnel to essential policing duties aimed at improving public safety and crime prevention nationwide.
This renewed warning follows a wireless signal from the Assistant Inspector General in charge of protection reminding officers that escorting VIPs without approval whether in uniform or mufti is illegal and violates standing orders. The signal noted that some officers were still disobeying the directive and warned that anyone caught would face disciplinary action.
President Tinubu had ordered the withdrawal of police escorts from VIPs on November 23 directing that officers be reassigned to critical security roles. VIPs who need armed protection must now seek assistance from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
credit Politics Nigeria
