The Inspector-General of Police has confirmed that 11,566 police officers have been withdrawn from VIP security duties across the country. He explained that the move is part of reforms aimed at strengthening public safety and placing more officers where they are truly needed. According to him, too many personnel had been assigned to individuals, leaving regular policing short-staffed.

He noted that the Police Force must focus more on protecting communities instead of guarding private individuals who already have the resources to hire their own security. The IGP said that this decision will help boost patrol teams, improve response time, and make officers more available for crime prevention.

The police chief added that the withdrawal exercise was done carefully to avoid creating security gaps. He stressed that officers removed from VIP duties will be redeployed to divisions facing high crime rates. He also mentioned that the Force is working on new guidelines for approving police escorts to avoid misuse.

The IGP assured Nigerians that the changes are meant to make policing more effective. He encouraged citizens to support the reforms, saying the country needs a strong frontline security system. He also warned that any VIP or officer who tries to violate the new rules will face disciplinary action.