In a sweeping move aimed at refocusing the nation’s security priorities, the Special Protection Unit (SPU) of the Nigeria Police Force has ordered all officers assigned to VIPs and special security beats nationwide to return immediately to their home bases.
The directive follows President Bola Tinubu’s recent decision to withdraw police protection from private individuals.
The order, issued in a memo by SPU Base 16 Commanding Officer, Neji Veronica, Lagos, instructed affected personnel to report back to base by the close of business on Monday, November 24, 2025.
The memo emphasized strict compliance, noting that attendance at a scheduled lecture parade would be taken from the official nominal roll.
“Following the directive of Mr. President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces regarding the withdrawal of police personnel attached to VIPs, all SPU officers at Base 16 assigned to VIPs or special beats nationwide are to return immediately,” the memo read.
President Tinubu, who announced the policy on November 23, stated that the move is part of a broader effort to redirect police resources toward frontline security and community policing, particularly in underserved and high-risk areas.
VIPs in need of armed protection are now required to seek assistance from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) rather than the police.
A statement from the Presidency highlighted the rationale behind the decision, noting chronic understaffing in many parts of the country. “Numerous communities, particularly in remote regions, lack sufficient police presence, making it difficult to ensure the safety and protection of citizens,” the statement explained. The shift aims to return officers to core policing duties where they are most needed.
To support this realignment, the government has announced plans to recruit an additional 30,000 police officers nationwide. Alongside this, training facilities are set to be upgraded through collaboration with state governments to enhance the preparedness and capability of the force.
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Security experts say the move could mark a significant turning point in Nigeria’s approach to law enforcement, emphasizing preventive policing and community engagement over personal security for elites.
