Why past attempts to withdraw policemen from VIPs failed – Ex-IGP

File photo: Former Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba

Kindly share this story:

A former Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, has said that previous attempts to withdraw police officers from Very Important Persons failed because such directives were issued by police chiefs rather than by the President.

Speaking on Saturday in Abuja at the launch of his biographies, “Giant Footprints and A Policeman Personified”, the former police chief expressed strong optimism that President Bola Tinubu’s recent directive would succeed.

He hailed the President for having the “political will” to order the withdrawal of policemen from private individuals and undeserving VIPs.

He said, “I am profoundly grateful to the President of the Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his consistent action directed at restoring the dwindling police primacy in the internal security architecture.

“This was again made manifest by the recent presidential order on the withdrawal of police personnel attached to undeserving personalities.

“As far as my memory can lead me, this is the first time that such an order will emanate directly from a sitting President.

“We have tried to do it as IGPs, but we couldn’t make it. Let’s see how this one will work.”

Baba explained that documenting his policing journey through his biographies would enrich national discourse on security, inspire others, and provide useful insights for policy makers and law enforcement professionals.

PUNCH Online earlier reported that President Tinubu ordered the withdrawal of all police personnel attached to VIPs and their redeployment to core policing duties.

According to a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, VIPs requiring protection will now be assigned armed operatives from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

The aim, he added, is to free up police manpower for frontline duties, especially in underserved communities, and strengthen Nigeria’s overall security response.

Olugbenga is a fine-grained journalist with over nine years of experience. He loves the smell of a good lead and has a penchant for finding out interesting good reports.

Kindly share this story:

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

Contact: [email protected]

UPDATE NEWS: Nigerians can now invest ₦2.5million on premium domains and profit about ₦17-₦25Million. All earnings paid in US Dollars. Rather than wonder, 👉 click here to find out how it work (Be sure to ask for evidence of clients that have benefitted from this)

Stay informed and ahead of the curve! Follow The Punch Newspaper on WhatsApp for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don't miss a headline – join now!

Stay in the know—fast. Get instant alerts, breaking headlines, and exclusive stories with the Punch News App. Download now and never miss a beat.