Police deny report on withdrawal of VIP security from Atiku, Wike, others

The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed as fake a document circulating on social media claiming that police officers attached to certain individuals have been directed to return to base with immediate effect.

According to the police, the purported memo, which was said to have originated from 50 Police Mobile Force (PMF) Squadron in Abuja, ordered officers on VIP protection duties to withdraw.

The police said the document did not emanate from the squadron and urged the public to disregard it.

Daily Trust had reported how President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Sunday, during a high-level security meeting that was held at the State House in Abuja, directed the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to withdraw all officers attached to the Very Important Persons (VIPs).

Following the development, some reports emerged, claiming that the Mobile Force, 50 Squadron, Kubwa, Abuja, had issued urgent instructions for operatives attached to VIPs to report back to base by Thursday, November 27.

Those reportedly affected included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; former Vice President Namadi Sambo; the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; former First, Lady Aisha Buhari; the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun; and the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III.

In a statement issued on Friday by its Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, the Force said the document was falsely attributed to one CSP Suleiman Abdullahi, described as the squadron’s administrative officer.

It clarified that no officer by that name serves in 50 PMF Squadron and that the administrative position in any PMF squadron is not held by an officer of the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police.

The police added that the document appeared to be a deliberate fabrication aimed at misleading the public and causing confusion.

The Force, however, confirmed that the implementation of the presidential directive on the withdrawal of police officers from VIP duties has commenced.

It said the exercise was being carried out in a structured and phased manner to avoid any security gaps that could be exploited by criminal elements.

The statement read, “The Nigeria Police Force wishes to address a purported document circulating widely on social media and other platforms, claiming to originate from 50 Police Mobile Force (PMF) Squadron, Abuja, directing all police officers attached to certain individuals to report back to base immediately.

“The Force wishes to categorically state that this document, allegedly signed by one CSP Suleiman Abdullahi, described as the Admin Officer of the squadron, is fake and should be disregarded by the public. There is no officer by the name CSP Suleiman Abdullahi serving in 50 PMF Squadron, nor is the position of Admin Officer in any PMF squadron held by an officer of the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP). This fabrication appears to be a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and create unnecessary confusion.

“For emphasis, the Nigeria Police Force confirms that the implementation of the Presidential Directive on the withdrawal of police officers from VIP duties has indeed commenced. However, this process is being carried out in a structured, phased, and professional manner to ensure that no security vacuum is created that could be exploited by criminal elements. Our priority remains the safety and security of all Nigerians, and measures have been put in place to ensure absolute maintenance of law and order throughout the transition period.

“The public is urged to rely on official channels for accurate information and to refrain from sharing unverified documents that could undermine public confidence. The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the protection of lives and property at all times.”

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