NPF launch special team to enforce Tinubu’s ban on VIP escorts

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has activated a Special Enforcement Team to ensure the full compliance with President Bola Tinubu’s directive that prohibits police officers from providing personal escort and guard duties for Very Important Persons (VIPs).
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This policy was meant to mobilize thousands of officers, estimated to be over 100,000 from private assignments to core public security duties, including counter-insurgency.
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The Special Enforcement Team began its operation in Lagos State on Saturday, December 6, 2025, monitoring key routes and locations like the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge and the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (Domestic Wing).
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The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, reported that the initial exercise was satisfactory and commendable due to the level of compliance, with no unauthorized police escorts detected and no arrests made.
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The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, stressed that the redeployment will help enhance the country’s overall security apparatus and strengthen crime prevention.
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The presidential directive, issued following a security meeting on November 23, aims to rationalize the use of police manpower due to the escalating nationwide security threats, particularly the fast growing trend of mass abductions and banditry in the country.
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Under the new directive, VIPs who require armed protection must now apply for personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), rather than the NPF.
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While the NSCDC is the designated alternative, reports indicate the corps is already facing a manpower deficit to meet the surge in demand from affected VIPs.
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The Presidency has urged Nigerians to actively monitor compliance with the order and report any violations to ensure the success of the policy.
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The NPF has assured the public that the implementation of the enforcement policy will continue nationwide without fear or favour as the Force works to build a more professional and people-centred policing system.
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