IG withdraws policemen attached to public office holders, VIPs, others

The Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, has ordered the withdrawal of all police offices attached to political and public office holders as well as other "Very Important Persons" (VIP) nationwide.

 The IGP made the announcement on Monday in Abuja at a conference with Senior Police officers.

The Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris

Also affected with the order are officers attached to private businessmen, multi-national companies and other corporate organizations.

According to the IGP a special task force had been constituted across all the Police command in all the state of the federation to ensure strict compliance.

 He also noted that the Force headquarters under the command of ACP Mohammed Dankwara has been commissioned to monitor compliance.

Idris said, “In view of the current security challenges in the country, it has become expedient for the Nigeria Police Force to streamline the deployment of its personnel attached to political and public office holders, aimed at enhancing effective and efficient policing of the country.

“To this effect, a memo will be forwarded to the President for approval which will serve as a guideline or template for deployment to VIPs, political and public office holders in the country.

Accordingly, a directive for withdrawal of all police officers deployed to VIPs, political and public office holders with immediate effect, is hereby given,” he stated.

He further noted that businessmen, corporate organisations and individuals who merit special police protection could be considered by the Special Protection Unit of the force on application for re-validation through the state Commissioners of Police where they are resident.

He said, “By so doing, I am charging the Commissioners of Police with the responsibility of supervising such official deployment and thereby holding them accountable,” the police chief informed his audience consisting of senior police officers.

• The IG condemned the abuse of police supernumerary number plates and the illegal use of siren and covering of vehicle number plates by motorists and warned the culprits to desist.

He directed the holders of the police SPY number plates to return them to the Force Transport Officer and apply for re-validation.

The IGP however ordered all the state CPs to enforce the compliance and arrest violators.