‘Shortsighted and self-centred’ — group rejects calls to reverse police officers’ withdrawal from VIPs

The Impacthive Centre for Accountability, Democracy, and Rights (ICADAR), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), has criticised calls to reconsider the presidential order withdrawing police officers guarding very important persons (VIPs).

On Sunday, President Bola Tinubu ordered the withdrawal of police personnel assigned to the VIPs across the country.

Bayo Onanuga, the president’s special adviser on information and strategy, had said Tinubu ordered that the personnel be redeployed to core policing duties in communities in the wake of rising insecurity in the country.

The presidency said the move is part of a broader national security plan aimed at improving police efficiency and reinforcing public safety.

After the announcement, Idris Wase, former deputy speaker of the house of representatives, asked Tinubu to reconsider the directive.

He said lawmakers from the north-central zone are facing the worst insecurity, adding that travelling by road is no longer safe for public officials.

‘IT’S SHORTSIGHTED’

Reacting to the lawmaker’s remarks, Bello Ishaq, ICADAR executive director, said in a statement on Thursday that the policy is “a necessary and justified step towards restoring the integrity, professionalism, and effectiveness of Nigeria’s security architecture”.

Ishaq condemned the calls from the national assembly to reverse the policy, describing such appeals as “shortsighted and self-centred, reflecting a dangerous tendency to prioritise the safety of a privileged few at the expense of the collective security of all Nigerians”.

“It is precisely because the lives of ordinary citizens, who are often the most vulnerable, are equally valuable that this policy must stand,” he said.

“The security challenges Nigeria faces are complex, and failure to adapt our approach jeopardises the safety of every Nigerian, not just VIPs.

“The notion that police protection should be reserved exclusively for the influential or powerful is a perilous misconception that undermines the constitutional principle of equality before the law.

“It is essential that police resources and efforts be channelled towards comprehensive, community-based policing that safeguards all citizens, especially in areas plagued by kidnappings, banditry, and criminality.

“The deployment of police officers to serve the broader public interest is a strategic move to address the escalating insecurity that threatens Nigeria’s social fabric.”

He called on the federal government and the police to “uphold their constitutional duty to safeguard the lives and property of all Nigerians equally.”

Ishaq insisted that “the current policy stands, and all efforts be channelled towards enhancing national security for everyone—without exception or distinction.”

“Nigeria’s strength lies in its unity and equality. Our lives are equally precious, and our security must reflect that fundamental truth,” he said.

“Nigeria’s security policy must be rooted in fairness, equity, and the collective good.

“The recent directive to redeploy police officers should be fully implemented and maintained, ensuring that the security apparatus serves the entire nation without discrimination or favouritism.”

He asked the government and police to “resist undue political pressure and uphold their commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of every Nigerian—because in Nigeria, no one is more Nigerian than the other.”

Earlier on Thursday, Kayode Egbetokun, inspector-general of police (IGP), said 11,566 police personnel have been recalled following the presidential directive to withdraw officers from VIP protection.