The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, announced on Thursday that 11,566 police personnel previously assigned to Very Important Persons (VIP) security duties have been recalled and will be redeployed to active police formations nationwide.
The directive follows a presidential order aimed at strengthening public security and increasing the operational presence of officers where they are most urgently needed.
Speaking at a conference with Strategic Police Managers in Abuja—comprising officers from the rank of Commissioners and above—the I-G explained that the reassignment was part of a broader initiative to shift officers from personalised protection roles to collective public safety responsibilities.
“While we move decisively to implement this directive, we must also act responsibly to manage its execution.
“We are mindful of the risk of misinterpretation, misinformation, and exploitation by undesirable elements who may seek to capitalise on the situation for personal or political advantage, ” he said.
He assured that the Nigerian Police Force would release comprehensive implementation modalities, detailing clear processes, timelines, safeguards, and accountability measures.
These will be communicated internally first and subsequently to the public in a structured and controlled manner to prevent ambiguity or the spread of disinformation.
The I-G emphasised the importance of operational synergy, warning senior officers against rivalry, which he said undermines crime-fighting efforts. “Commissioners of Police must operationalise real partnerships, not ceremonial alliances,” he said.
He urged joint tactical patrols, shared intelligence briefings, and operations supported by the military when necessary.
Egbetokun also called for interagency collaboration in high-risk states, advocating for joint planning and coordinated responses after major security incidents.
He highlighted the need for unified patrols along strategic routes, integration of intelligence with other security agencies, and expansion of lawful border enforcement strategies, particularly in frontier states such as Kebbi, Niger, and Sokoto.
“This approach ensures that policing is effective, institutional integrity is preserved, and opportunities for unlawful actors to exploit ambiguity are eliminated,” he added.
The move is expected to reinforce public security across Nigeria, ensuring that more police officers are deployed to frontline duties in communities where they can have the most significant operational impact.
