Confusion Erupts as Police Dismiss ‘Nonexistent CSP’ and Fake VIP Recall Document
By Paul Ebi
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has dismissed as false a circulating document claiming that officers attached to several high-profile individuals were directed to immediately return to base following a presidential order withdrawing police personnel from VIP escorts.
The controversy erupted after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Sunday, approved the removal of police officers assigned to VIPs nationwide, with the aim of redeploying them to core policing duties amid rising insecurity.Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said the move formed part of a broader national security strategy designed to enhance police effectiveness and strengthen public safety.
Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun later confirmed that 11,566 officers had been withdrawn in compliance with the directive.
Shortly after, a viral report claimed that the Police Mobile Force (PMF), 50 Squadron in Kubwa, Abuja, issued an urgent internal directive instructing officers attached to prominent figures — including former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar and Namadi Sambo, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, former First Lady Aisha Buhari, Chief Justice of Nigeria Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, and Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri — to report back to base by November 27.
The purported memo, allegedly signed by one CSP Suleiman Abdullahi, stated that officers attached to 20 VIPs must return to base, with attendance to be taken from the nominal roll. It also referenced similar instructions supposedly sent to officers under SPU Base 16, Lagos, directing them to return before close of business on November 24 and attend a lecture parade the next day.
But the police have now categorically denied the authenticity of the document.
In a statement on X, Benjamin Hundeyin, the Force Public Relations Officer, urged the public to dismiss the trending memo entirely.
> “The referenced document is fake. There is no CSP Suleiman Abdullahi in 50PMF, neither is the administrative officer of any squadron a CSP. Please, disregard this!”
Hundeyin stressed that while the NPF is implementing the presidential order in phases, no such blanket or abrupt recall was issued by the 50 PMF or any other squadron.
The police reiterated their commitment to transparency as they reorganize VIP protection structures and redeploy officers to bolster national security operations.
