The Federal Government has called on citizens to help monitor compliance with the recent withdrawal of police escorts for VIPs across Nigeria. The appeal was made by President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Daniel Bwala, during a TVC interview.
Bwala urged Nigerians to document violations by taking photographs or videos of celebrities, private sector figures, or other individuals who retain police protection against the presidential directive. He clarified that the withdrawal does not apply to all government officials, noting that critical personnel may still receive security through agencies like the State Security Service (SSS) or the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Last week, President Tinubu ordered police officers attached to VIPs redeployed to core policing duties, citing overstretched resources and gaps in rural and semi-urban security. VIPs needing protection are now required to request armed escorts from the NSCDC.
The government has also moved to bolster police capacity, approving the recruitment of 30,000 officers and upgrading training facilities to ensure nationwide coverage with well-equipped personnel.
Bwala framed compliance as a test of presidential authority and constitutional adherence. He stressed that citizens reporting violations would enable enforcement and accountability, emphasizing that ignoring the order constitutes a breach of the Constitution.
