Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, is under increasing pressure to withdraw police officers serving as escorts for Very Important Persons (VIPs) in an effort to enhance overall security across Nigeria.
The call for reallocation comes amidst growing concerns over the country’s insufficient number of police personnel, which falls short of the United Nations’ recommended ratio.
With Nigeria’s police force numbering just over 370,000, the current ratio stands at approximately one police officer for every 600 citizens, significantly below the ideal. This shortage is exacerbating the nation’s mounting security challenges.
In June 2023, during a conference with police tactical commanders in Abuja, the IGP ordered the withdrawal of Police Mobile Force personnel from VIP escort and guard duties. However, this directive did not include other police personnel, such as constables and inspectors, who continue to be assigned to VIPs.
Criticism of this practice has been vocal. Chief Asukewe Iko-Awaji, former National Vice Chairman of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party and member of the Rivers Elders’ Council, argued in an interview with Saturday PUNCH that VIP escorts significantly hamper the police force’s ability to effectively combat crime.
“I was going somewhere and saw a local government chairman with 10 policemen at his gate. Governors, senators, and House of Representatives members will take their share too. These are the police who should protect the people who voted for them. Withdraw all the police guarding politicians and let them come back and do their work. The provision that establishes the Nigerian police did not say they should leave the people to guard a few,” Iko-Awaji stated.
Supporting this viewpoint, security expert Col. Yomi Dare suggested reducing the number of policemen assigned to VIP escorts. “Look at a situation where you have up to 12 policemen escorting one VIP. If you go to his house, he probably has another number of policemen there,” Dare noted.
As the debate continues, many Nigerians hope that reallocating police resources from VIP protection to general public security will help address the country’s urgent need for improved law enforcement.
