Police Recall Officers From Atiku, Wike, Kekere-Ekun, Other VIPs After Nationwide Directive

Nigerian police units have begun recalling officers assigned to prominent political figures and officials, following a nationwide directive to redirect personnel toward core policing duties.

The Mobile Police Force’s 50 Squadron in Kubwa, Abuja, issued an urgent notice ordering all officers attached to 20 high-profile individuals to return to base by 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 27. The instruction, signed by CSP Suleiman Abdullahi, listed those affected, including Atiku Abubakar, Namadi Sambo, Nyesom Wike, Aisha Buhari, Justice Kudirat Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, and the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III. Others named in the memo were Senator Ahmed Lawal, Hon. Ngozi Iweala, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani, Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, Hon. Ibrahim Massari, and several additional political and corporate figures.

The recall aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s order issued during a security meeting on Sunday in Abuja, where he instructed that police officers assigned to VIP protection be withdrawn and reassigned to frontline duties. The meeting included military and security chiefs such as Lt. General Waidi Shaibu, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, Inspector General Kayode Egbetokun, and DSS Director-General Tosin Adeola Ajayi.

Under the revised security structure, VIPs requiring armed escorts must now request personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. The shift is aimed at boosting policing capacity nationwide, particularly in underserved communities.

The move has already triggered internal adjustments within the force. Earlier memos, including one from SPU Base 16 in Lagos, ordered officers to immediately return from VIP assignments, emphasizing strict compliance and mandatory attendance at subsequent briefing sessions.