The Nigerian military has arrested four police officers for allegedly providing unauthorised escort services to a VIP, in violation of a presidential directive issued by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which ordered the withdrawal of police personnel from VIP protection duties across the country.
Police and security sources, who spoke to security analyst Zagazola Makama, said the arrest took place on December 17 at about 9.30 a.m., while the officers were reportedly carrying out an escort assignment. The operation was said to have been conducted by military personnel who intercepted the officers during the assignment and questioned their presence.
Those arrested were identified as Assistant Superintendent of Police Musa Waziri and Inspector Jeremiah Achimogu, both attached to the 45 Police Mobile Force in Abuja. The others are Inspector Awipi Terry of the 21 Police Mobile Force and Inspector Hassan Baba of the 50 Police Mobile Force, also based in Abuja.
According to security sources, the officers were apprehended for allegedly flouting the presidential order that barred police officers from providing escort services to VIPs and private individuals without proper authorisation. The directive was issued earlier in the year as part of efforts to curb the misuse of police personnel and redeploy officers to areas where they are urgently needed for core policing duties.
Further investigations revealed that the arrested officers were allegedly dressed in uniforms resembling those of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. Authorities believe this may have been a deliberate attempt to evade detection and mislead enforcement personnel while carrying out the escort duty.
Following their arrest, the officers were detained by the military, while disciplinary procedures were reportedly initiated against them in line with the regulations and disciplinary framework of the Nigeria Police Force. Sources said the incident has been formally reported to senior police authorities for further investigation and appropriate sanctions.
The Federal Government had earlier directed the immediate withdrawal of police officers from unauthorised VIP protection assignments, citing concerns that such duties were draining manpower from essential law enforcement operations. The policy aims to strengthen police presence on the streets, enhance routine patrols, and improve responses to rising security challenges nationwide.
Security authorities have reiterated that the directive remains in full effect and warned that any officer found violating it will face strict disciplinary action. The arrest, according to officials, signals that enforcement of the policy will be sustained as the government pushes ahead with security sector reforms and efforts to improve public safety across the country.
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