The Federal Government has declared its resolve to put a stop to the misuse of police and other security personnel by Very Important Persons (VIPs), stressing that the practice undermines national security and leaves ordinary Nigerians vulnerable.
This position was made clear by the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination and Head of the Central Delivery Coordination Unit (CDCU), Hadiza Bala-Usman, during the Ministry of Interior’s performance retreat held Thursday in Abuja.
Bala-Usman decried the routine diversion of police officers and specialised squads from critical operations to VIP escort duties. She noted that while terrorism and other crimes require robust response, highly trained personnel are instead being used to trail politicians, business executives, and other elites.
“It is disturbing to see anti-terrorism units deployed for private escort duties while communities across the country remain under threat,” she said. “We cannot continue to station mobile policemen to guard individuals in Ikoyi when they are urgently needed to confront insecurity elsewhere.”
The presidential aide explained that the government is now moving to review the Private Guard Companies Act in order to empower licensed private security outfits to handle VIP protection. By doing so, she said, police and military personnel would be freed to focus on their constitutional responsibility of safeguarding the nation.
“If anyone insists on having machine gun-wielding escorts, they should engage properly licensed private guards and pay for the service,” Bala-Usman stressed. “VIP protection is not a public entitlement. Our security agencies must be released from these distractions so they can serve Nigerians.”
She further disclosed that she had personally reported cases of elite units being deployed for VIP use, warning that such practices weaken the country’s anti-crime efforts.
In addition, the CDCU boss called for the integration of retired senior police officers—such as former AIGs, DIGs, and CPs—into a regulated private security framework. According to her, this would create jobs, strengthen professionalism in private guard services, and ease the burden on overstretched security agencies.
The reforms, she noted, will not only enhance national security but also make VIPs more accountable for financing their personal safety.
The Ministry of Interior, she added, has been directed to fast-track the review of the relevant legislation with a deadline set for the third quarter of 2025.
