The Nigeria Police Force has issued a clarification regarding its recent directive on the withdrawal of Police Mobile Force (PMF) personnel from Specialised Escort and Guard Services for VIPs, News About Nigeria gathered.
The statement, released on Thursday by the Force’s spokesman, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, aimed to address misunderstandings and provide clarity on the intended changes.
It was emphasised that the Police Force had no intention of removing security details from VIPs who are legally entitled to such services.
The clarification sought to dispel misconceptions surrounding the directive and underscored that VIPs meeting legal criteria for security details would continue to receive the service through other police units, including the Special Protection Unit.
The withdrawal of PMF personnel is specific to reassigning them to the recently established Special Intervention Squad, rather than a blanket ban on all police officers providing VIP escort services.
Adejobi highlighted the importance of understanding the full contents of the press statements issued by the Nigeria Police Force on June 29, 2023, July 10, 2023, and July 23, 2023, for comprehensive insights into the matter.
The statement urged the public to avoid giving headlines whimsical meanings and spreading distorted information, emphasising the need for accurate perspectives on the directive.
The Nigeria Police Force emphasised its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens while maintaining transparency and adherence to legal frameworks in providing VIP security details.
“First and foremost, let us be clear: at no point did the Force intend to strip VIPs (legally and statutorily entitled to police escorts) of their security details. Doing so would be unsafe and counterproductive. Instead, the objective is to reassign the withdrawn PMF personnel to the recently established Special Intervention Squad.
“For those who genuinely require specialized Police escorts, this vital service will continue to be provided by other units of the Force, such as the Special Protection Unit. However, individuals who do not fall within and enjoy the legal framework for such security details would strictly be screened, and their applications thoroughly assessed for consideration, if necessary.”
