Nigeria Police Reinforce Ban on Escorting VIPs in Mufti, Warn Officers of Disciplinary Action
The Nigeria Police Force has once again moved to tighten control over the conduct of its personnel, issuing a firm directive warning officers against escorting Very Important Persons (VIPs) while dressed in mufti. The latest instruction, dispatched as a wireless message from the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Protection at Force Headquarters, Abuja (AIG PROTECT FHQ), underscores widespread concerns that many officers continue to disregard the long-standing rule.
The signal, referenced CB: 4001/DOPS/SPU/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.20, was sent to all Police Protection Units across the country, reiterating an earlier directive from the Inspector General of Police banning the use of plain clothes for VIP escort duties and ordering the withdrawal of officers from unauthorised VIP protection assignments. According to the message, the Police High Command expressed frustration that some officers persist in escorting VIPs in mufti, a clear violation of Special Protection Unit (SPU) operational guidelines.
The communication states clearly:
“It has been observed that men still follow VIPs in mufti in disregard to this order. Officers and men are to desist henceforth as anybody caught will be dealt with accordingly.”
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The directive was widely distributed and copied to police commands in Lagos, Kano, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Benin, Makurdi, Yola, Sokoto, Bauchi, Enugu, Asaba, Ibadan, Calabar, Akwa Ibom, and many others, emphasising its nationwide enforcement. Units were instructed to acknowledge receipt immediately and treat the order as both urgent and important.
This clampdown aligns with broader reforms initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who on November 23 directed the withdrawal of police officers attached to VIPs. The president emphasized that the police must focus on core policing duties such as crime prevention, intelligence gathering, and public safety, rather than escorting private individuals. The new policy stipulates that VIPs in need of armed protection must rely on the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Following this directive, internal adjustments began within the Police Force. One such measure was a memo issued by SPU Base 16 Lagos Commanding Officer, Neji Veronica, instructing all officers attached to VIPs to return to base immediately. The memo, dated November 24, underscored full compliance, warning officers to report back before the close of business and attend a mandatory lecture parade the following day. Attendance, the memo emphasized, would be cross-checked against the nominal roll.
The memo read:
“Sequel to the directive of Mr President… the Commanding Officer directs, with immediate effect, the withdrawal of all personnel of SPU Base 16 attached to VIPs/Beats across the federation back to base.”
Public reactions to the renewed ban reflect skepticism, cautious optimism, and frustration. Some commentators argue that enforcement has historically been weak, with officers often ignoring directives from top leadership. Others note that financial incentives—particularly unofficial payments from VIPs—encourage officers to violate orders without fear of repercussions.
A recurring concern among observers is the apparent lack of control police authorities have over their personnel, raising questions about discipline, monitoring, and internal accountability. Critics argue that without strong punitive measures and institutional reform, non-compliance will continue.
Nonetheless, the force’s latest directive signals an attempt to reassert authority and restore professionalism within the Police Protection Unit. Whether this renewed push will lead to lasting change remains to be seen, but the tone from Force Headquarters suggests that violators may finally face the long-promised disciplinary consequences.