Report VIPs with police escorts, presidency urges Nigerians

The Presidency has urged Nigerians to take an active role in monitoring adherence to President Bola Tinubu’s directive regarding the withdrawal of police escorts for VIPs.

This appeal was articulated by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Daniel Bwala, during a Sunday interview on TVC, where he emphasized the administration’s dedication to enforcing the order and encouraged citizens to report any infractions.

"If you come across a celebrity, a private sector individual, or anyone else who has police protection contrary to the president's executive order, please gather evidence, whether it be a photograph or video," Bwala stated.

The Special Adviser clarified that this withdrawal does not extend to all government officials. "The president's directive to withdraw police from VIPs is not universally applicable. There are essential government figures who will continue to receive some form of security," he elaborated.

Bwala further noted that other security agencies, including the State Security Service (SSS) and Civil Defence, would offer protection when necessary.

"It may be the SSS or Civil Defence providing assistance, not the police. The police should not be accompanying you," he remarked.

This directive underscores the administration’s ongoing initiative to optimize the deployment of police resources and ensure that the police force prioritizes public safety over VIP protection.

Tinubu has mandated the removal of police officers assigned to Very Important Persons nationwide, instructing that they be reassigned to essential policing responsibilities.