Tinubu Orders Reassignment of VIP Police Bodyguards to Frontline Duty Amid Rising Insecurity

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a major security shake-up that will see hundreds of police officers withdrawn from Very Important Persons (VIPs) and reassigned to core policing duties across the country. The decision comes as Nigeria continues to face escalating insecurity, including kidnapping, bandit attacks, and violent crime in several states. According to senior security officials, the reassignment targets police officers currently deployed as personal bodyguards to politicians, wealthy individuals, business executives, and other privileged citizens. Many of these officers will now be moved to patrol units, rapid response teams, anti-kidnapping squads, and other operational departments

A Shift in Government Priorities

The policy signals a major shift in the Tinubu administration’s approach to national security. For years, Nigeria’s police manpower has been heavily concentrated in VIP protection roles, leaving a limited number of officers available for public safety and community policing. Security analysts say the new directive suggests that the government is prioritizing public protection over private privilege.

“This decision reflects a recognition that Nigeria cannot afford to keep thousands of officers guarding a small elite while ordinary citizens remain unprotected,” one analyst note

Long-Standing Concerns Over Misuse of Police Guard Assignments

For decades, Nigerians have criticised the widespread misuse of police bodyguards by politicians, celebrities, and wealthy individuals often for non-security purposes such as running errands, carrying bags, escorting children to school, or providing domestic support. Case studies reveal:

• Some lawmakers reportedly had 15–30 officers assigned to them.

• Police officers have been seen serving as personal drivers or “protocol boys”.

• Business owners allegedly used officers for store protection, warehouse guarding, or staff intimidation.

• Officers have even been deployed for weddings, parties, private events, and non-official functions.

Critics argue that these misallocations weaken the country’s ability to respond to rising violence and insecurity.

Frontline Police React to the Redeployment

Early reactions from frontline officers suggest mixed feelings.

Some officers welcome the move, saying it may lead to better operational strength, faster response times, and more manpower for high-risk zones.

Others express concerns about:

• Poor welfare and equipment

• Inadequate training for high-intensity operations

• Safety risks associated with redeployment

One officer, speaking anonymously, said: “Protecting VIPs is safer and comes with extra allowances. Going back to field duty without improved welfare is worrying.”The government has pledged to invest in better equipment and improved working conditions, though details are yet to be fully disclosed.

What This Means for Nigerian

If fully implemented, the policy could:

• Increase police visibility nationwide

• Strengthen patrol presence in rural and urban communities

• Reduce response times to kidnapping and robbery incidents

• Address manpower shortages in high-crime regions

• Build public trust in law enforcement

However, successful implementation will depend on accountability, monitoring, and whether VIPs comply with the withdrawal directive.