“IGP Yanks 11,566 Officers Off VIPs — Finally Sends Police Back to Nigerians Who Actually Need Protection!”
By Paul Ebi
The Inspector-General of Police has announced the withdrawal and redeployment of 11,566 police officers previously assigned to VIPs across the country, in a major restructuring move aimed at strengthening frontline policing and improving community safety.
According to the statement, the recall is part of a wider effort to rebalance manpower, ensure better presence of security personnel in underserved areas, and enhance rapid response capabilities amid rising concerns over nationwide insecurity.
The IGP said the decision became necessary to “restore professionalism in policing, prioritise public safety, and ensure that police resources are deployed where Nigerians need them most.”
He noted that while VIP protection remains an important responsibility, the scale of personnel attached to individuals had created manpower gaps at critical security points. The newly retrieved officers will now be reassigned to patrol duties, anti-crime operations, intelligence units, and community policing structures.
Public reaction has been mixed, with many citizens applauding the initiative as long overdue, while others await clear implementation to ensure the redeployment translates into improved safety on the ground.
The Police leadership assured that the restructuring will be continuous, backed by performance monitoring, and aligned with broader reforms to modernise Nigeria’s security architecture.
More details are expected in the coming days as the redeployed officers begin reporting to their new duty posts nationwide.
