The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Ibrahim Idris, has ordered immediate withdrawal of all policemen attached to Very Important Personalities (VIPs) including political and public office holders in Nigeria.
Idris gave the order at the monthly meeting with Commissioners of Police and above on Monday in Abuja.
“A directive for the withdrawal of all police officers deployed to VIPs, political and public office holders, with immediate effect, is hereby given,” he said.
He said the order became expedient in view of the current security challenges in the country, adding that it was aimed at enhancing effective and efficient policing of the country.
Idris said the directive affects business entrepreneurs, multinational companies as well as corporate individuals, revealing that a memo would be forwarded to President Muhammadu Buhari for approval.
He added that the approval would also serve as a guideline or template for the deployment of officers to VIPs, political and public office holders.
Idris revealed that a Task Force has been constituted at the Force Headquarters to ensure compliance with the directive, while command commissioners would replicate same at their various commands.
He said organisations and individuals that require services of the police and are found worthy would be considered by the Special Protection Unit (SPU) of the force.
He explained further that this would be on application for re-validation through the state commissioners of police where they are resident.
“I am charging the commissioners of police with the responsibility of supervising such official deployment and thereby holding them accountable,” he said.
On illegal use of siren and spy number plates, Idris directed all holders to return them to the Force Transport Officer (FTO) in Abuja, to apply for re-validation.
He said that criminals are taking advantage of the situation to perpetrate heinous crimes across the country, warning individuals covering their vehicle number plates and using siren illegally to desist forthwith.