VIPs Doubt NSCDC as Tinubu Pulls Police Escorts Off High-Profile Nigerians

• Tinubu has ordered the withdrawal of police escorts from high-profile individuals (VIPs) to redeploy the officers to core security duties, directing VIPs who require protection to instead use the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
• The move, confirmed by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, has sparked significant anxiety among VIPs who doubt the competency and training of NSCDC personnel, with one reportedly calling it “like engaging Boy Scouts.”
• Police sources, however, welcomed the move, noting that VIP duties severely strain resources, leaving communities understaffed and vulnerable to crime, which has long been a cause for concern among human rights activists.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the withdrawal of police escorts from high-profile individuals (VIPs), directing that these police personnel be redeployed to focus on their core security duties across the country.

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga announced that VIPs still requiring close protection must now engage operatives from the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The directive has caused significant anxiety, with many VIPs expressing strong doubts about the capability of NSCDC personnel to provide adequate security.

One VIP was quoted telling Vanguard:

“It will be like engaging Boy Scouts. Mobile policemen are more agile and battle-ready to confront any situation.”

Another warned that the abrupt withdrawal without a clear transition plan could heighten insecurity fears.

Police Highlight Resource Strain

Anonymous police sources strongly supported the move, noting that dedicating units to VIP protection had severely weakened community police coverage and slowed response times to crime.

A police officer commented on the previous arrangement:

“In a country grappling with a wide range of security threats… the use of law enforcement personnel to safeguard individuals who can afford private security is a cause for concern… Police patrol teams in certain areas are often understaffed, and response times to distress calls are prolonged as a result of the overwhelming number of officers assigned to VIP duties.”