The Federal Government has announced plans to end the misuse of police and other security operatives by Very Important Persons (VIPs), warning that elite protection can no longer continue at the expense of Nigeria’s collective security.
The decision was made public by the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination and Head of the Central Delivery Coordination Unit (CDCU), Hadiza Bala-Usman, on Thursday at the Ministry of Interior’s performance retreat in Abuja.
She expressed deep concern over the diversion of police officers and specialised squads from their statutory responsibilities, to serve as escorts for politically connected individuals and business elites.
“One of the most disturbing things for me is when VIPs arrive somewhere with so many policemen trailing them, while the areas that actually need security are left unattended.
“We cannot continue to deploy police trained for anti-terrorism operations just to guard individuals in Ikoyi. That is wrong completely,” she said.
The presidential aide disclosed that government was already working to amend the Private Guard Companies Act to empower and license private security firms to take over VIP escort duties.
“We must free our policemen to do national security as required. Whoever feels too important and wants machine gun-wielding personnel protecting him should go and hire a private security company with the necessary documentation, not take our mobile policemen,” she said.
According to Bala-Usman, this reform has been identified as a priority deliverable for tracking under the CDCU framework, with the Interior Ministry tasked to fast-track the amendment of relevant laws before the end of the third quarter of 2025.
Bala-Usman further stated that she had personally observed anti-terrorism squads being diverted for personal escort duties.
“I saw elite police units stationed daily near my house in Ikoyi being used for VIP protection.
“I immediately reported it to the National Security Adviser. These personnel should be in the field combating terrorism, not guarding individuals,” she said.
She warned that such practices not only undermine public safety but also weaken the morale of security personnel who are overstretched across the country.
In a bid to reduce pressure on serving security personnel, Bala-Usman recommended integrating retired senior police officers including former Assistant Inspectors-General, Deputy Inspectors-General, and Commissioners of Police into structured private security institutions.
“We have so many retired AIGs, DIGs and CPs who can be mopped up into a well-regulated private security system.
“That way, we reduce the pressure on our overstretched security agencies and still provide the support that is needed,” she explained.
Bala-Usman stressed that VIP security is not a national entitlement but a service that should be privately funded by those who require it.
“VIP protection is not a public entitlement. It is a service that should be paid for. Our policemen must be freed to protect Nigerians at large, not just a privileged few,” she asserted.
The presidential aide concluded that the reform would not only improve security delivery nationwide but also foster accountability by compelling elites to finance their own personal protection needs rather than burdening the state.
