The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has withdrawn more than 11,000 police personnel from VIP security duties, following a directive by President Bola Tinubu.
Egbetokun, who announced the withdrawal on Thursday during a meeting with senior police commanders in Abuja, said the affected personnel have been reposted to bolster frontline policing nationwide.
He described the move as a strategic shift aimed at reinforcing public safety, particularly in high-risk and underserved communities.
The IGP said 11,566 officers previously attached to VIPs are being redeployed immediately to critical operational roles.
According to the police chief, the move reflects the force’s renewed commitment to prioritising citizens’ security over private protection.
He stressed that the withdrawal was guided by operational needs and would be implemented with safeguards to prevent misuse or impersonation by criminal elements.
The IGP referenced recent attacks and abductions in Kwara, Kebbi and Niger states as reminders of the need for stronger deterrence and quicker response capabilities.
While acknowledging concerns about police performance, he reaffirmed the force’s resolve to meet higher standards of accountability and efficiency.
Egbetokun highlighted recent operational successes, noting that 8,202 suspects were arrested in recent weeks for offences ranging from armed robbery, kidnapping and homicide to rape and cultism.
He said 232 kidnapped victims were rescued, while recovered items included 249 firearms, nearly 21,000 rounds of ammunition and 238 vehicles.
Ahead of the festive season, the police chief directed commands nationwide to intensify highway patrols, boost visibility, and deploy technology-driven surveillance.
He also ordered comprehensive security operations, including foot and vehicular patrols, anti-robbery dragnets and joint inter-agency deployments, to ensure safe travel and deter criminal activity.
