Officers Withdrawn, Police End VIP Duties

The Special Protection Unit (SPU) of the Nigeria Police Force has ordered the immediate withdrawal of all officers assigned to VIPs and regular beats across the country, acting on a directive issued by President Bola Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

This directive was contained in a memo signed by ASP Neji Veronica, Administrative Officer of SPU Base 16 in Lagos, and circulated on Tuesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, via X. According to the memo, all affected personnel must return to their respective bases no later than the close of business on 24 November.

The document stressed the need for strict adherence, noting that the withdrawal forms part of the government’s broader effort to restructure and streamline VIP security arrangements nationwide.

According to the memo “Sequel to the directive of Mr President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces on the withdrawal of police personnel attached to VIPs, the Commanding Officer directs, with immediate effect, the withdrawal of all personnel of SPU Base 16 attached to VIPs/Beats across the federation back to base.

“You are all warned to report back before the end of today, Monday, 24/11/2025, and all to attend the lecture parade tomorrow. Attendance shall be taken from the nominal roll. This is for your information and strict compliance“ it reads.