President Tinubu Orders Withdrawal of Police from VIP Security Duties, Emphasizes Reform
In a significant directive, President Bola Tinubu has instructed the high command of the Nigeria Police Force to withdraw all police personnel from VIP security duties, as revealed by the Minister of State for Police Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, during a two-day management retreat at the ministry on Monday.
The minister affirmed the commitment of the police leadership to execute the president’s order while also outlining plans to develop a community policing strategy among other initiatives.
Addressing the challenges faced by the Police Force and the Ministry of Police Affairs, Suleiman-Ibrahim acknowledged the consequences of decades of neglect that hindered their ability to fulfill their constitutional mandate.
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“The Police Inspectorate Department, in particular, should evolve its operations to focus on robust monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning,” she stated. “Reports must be factual, practical, and evidence-based and serve as critical tools for enhancing police performance.”
She highlighted the need for a comprehensive review of the curriculum of training institutions to reflect the evolving landscape of law enforcement, incorporating contemporary practices and international standards.
Emphasizing the importance of technology, she urged the Police Service Department to optimize administrative processes and foster the adoption of cutting-edge technology for a more efficient and inclusive police force.
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The Planning, Research, and Statistics Department was encouraged to position itself as a knowledge hub, providing historical insights and conducting cutting-edge research to inform policymaking.
The minister stressed the transformative nature of key mandates, including developing and implementing a harmonized police reform report, amending the Police Act, and executing the withdrawal of police personnel from VIP security duties.
This directive aligns with previous announcements by the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, who, in June, revealed plans to withdraw Police Mobile Force personnel from VIP escort/guard duties.
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The move is part of broader efforts to reposition the police in the internal security architecture of the country, marking a significant step towards reform and a renewed focus on community policing.