Fresh findings from Abuja and Lagos reveal that the presidential directive ordering the withdrawal of police and Department of State Services (DSS) personnel from VIP escorts is being widely ignored, as many officers continue to serve private interests.

Despite public statements from the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, claiming that VIP protection units have been significantly reduced, on-ground investigations show that security operatives remain deeply engaged in unofficial jobs—including picking up VIPs’ children from school and running personal errands for influential families.

Field Findings Contradict Official Claims

Monitoring conducted across key districts in Abuja and Lagos during peak hours showed police and DSS operatives still escorting the relatives of politically exposed persons and senior government officials. Officers were observed shuttling children to and from school, accompanying spouses on personal outings, and carrying out errands unrelated to national security.

These activities were especially visible around high-profile schools and upscale residential areas.

“It’s not even about classic VIP escorts anymore,” one observer noted. “Police and DSS officers are openly used for school runs and personal errands. Anyone living in Abuja or Lagos during school hours sees it. It’s an open secret.”

Calls for Public Verification

Critics say that for Nigerians to believe the withdrawal directive is genuine, the enforcement process must be transparent and verifiable. They propose that citizens be encouraged to anonymously submit photos or videos documenting security officers deployed on private duties.

According to them, the persistent presence of armed escorts around VIP families shows a stark disconnect between official statements and the reality on the ground.

“Let Nigerians record and send in evidence of officers escorting VIPs or picking up their children,” a concerned citizen argued. “Only then will we know the true level of compliance. Announcements alone don’t change anything.”

“Nothing Has Changed”

Monitors who moved across parts of Abuja described the situation as “shocking,” insisting that most of the officers seen on Tuesday morning and afternoon were engaged in school runs for the children of top government officials and wealthy individuals.

“This country is a joke,” one of the observers said in frustration.

They warn that until visible enforcement begins, the police and DSS will continue to appear more dedicated to serving VIPs’ personal needs than to securing Nigerians.

“Real reform starts when actions—not press releases—match what citizens see around them,” one critic emphasized.

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Background

On Monday, SaharaReporters published an exclusive report revealing that the Nigerian Police Force had issued a nationwide directive to arrest any officer caught providing security to VIPs outside officially approved duties. A confidential wireless message dated November 30, 2025, signed by the IGP, instructed all police formations—from state commands to specialized units—to strictly enforce the presidential order.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had earlier, on November 23, 2025, mandated the withdrawal of police officers assigned to VIP protection. The directive, issued during a high-level security meeting in Abuja, required that VIPs needing escorts must now request personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The president’s decision follows worsening insecurity and aims to redeploy police manpower to core policing responsibilities, especially in underserved communities.