The Federal Government has vowed to end the diversion of police and other security operatives to provide escort duties for Very Important Persons (VIPs), insisting that national security must take priority over elite protection.
The Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination and Head of the Central Delivery Coordination Unit, Hadiza Bala-Usman, stated this on Thursday in Abuja during the Ministry of Interior’s performance retreat.
Naija News reports that Bala-Usman expressed concern over the misuse of security personnel, especially the diversion of specialised squads from critical security operations to VIP protection.
She said, “One of the most disturbing things for me is when VIPs arrive somewhere with so many policemen trailing them, while the areas that actually need security are left unattended.
“We cannot continue to deploy police trained for anti-terrorism operations just to guard individuals in Ikoyi. That is wrong completely.”
The presidential aide disclosed that the government was working to amend the Private Guard Companies Act to enable licensed private security firms to take over VIP protection.
“We must free our policemen to do national security as required. Whoever feels too important and wants machine gun-wielding personnel protecting him should go and hire a private security company with the necessary documentation, not take our mobile policemen,” she stated.
According to her, the proposed review would ensure security agencies are not overstretched while private firms provide professional services for VIPs.
Bala-Usman revealed that she had personally reported cases where elite anti-terrorism units were misused for VIP escort duties.
“I saw elite police units stationed daily near my house in Ikoyi being used for VIP protection. I immediately reported it to the National Security Adviser. These personnel should be in the field combating terrorism, not guarding individuals,” she said.
She also suggested integrating retired senior police officers into a regulated private security system, which would ease pressure on the police while creating employment.
The presidential aide further stated, “We have so many retired AIGs, DIGs and CPs who can be mopped up into a well-regulated private security system. That way, we reduce the pressure on our overstretched security agencies and still provide the support that is needed.”
She stressed that personal security for VIPs should no longer be funded with public resources.
She added, “VIP protection is not a public entitlement. It is a service that should be paid for. Our policemen must be freed to protect Nigerians at large, not just a privileged few.”
Bala-Usman confirmed that the Interior Ministry had been tasked with fast-tracking the review of relevant legislation before the end of the third quarter of 2025.
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