The Force Headquarters has intensified its clampdown on illegal VIP protection duties, warning police officers against escorting Very Important Persons (VIPs) in plain clothes or uniform without authorization, describing the act as illegal and a violation of standing orders.

The warning was issued via a wireless message from the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Protection, Force Headquarters, Abuja (AIG PROTECT FHQ), addressed to all Police Protection Units nationwide. The message, referenced CB: 4001/DOPS/SPU/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.20, reiterated the Inspector General of Police’s earlier directive withdrawing officers from unauthorized VIP escorts and prohibiting plain-clothes assignments.

“It has been observed that some officers still follow VIPs in mufti in disregard of this order. All personnel are to desist immediately; violators will be dealt with accordingly,” the message warned.

The directive was circulated to all Zonal and State Police Commands, the FCT Command, and other Police Formations and Special Units, with instructions to acknowledge receipt and treat it as urgent.

To enforce compliance, the Force Headquarters has deployed special intelligence and provost teams to airports nationwide, tasked with arresting officers found escorting VIPs in mufti in violation of the standing order.

The crackdown aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s earlier directive, which ordered the withdrawal of police officers from VIP protection duties to focus on core policing functions, amid rising insecurity, kidnappings, and community attacks.

VIPs requiring protection are now advised to request armed security personnel from the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) as an alternative.