Nigerian Army Apprehends Four Police Officers on Unauthorized VIP Guard Duty Despite Presidential Ban

The Nigerian Army has taken into custody four personnel of the Nigeria Police Force found performing VIP escort services in direct violation of a federal directive. The arrests took place during a security sweep aimed at enforcing President Bola Ahmed Tinubus standing order for the immediate withdrawal of police officers from unauthorized private guard duties.

The officers were intercepted while providing security for a high-profile individual, a practice the presidency and the Inspector General of Police have repeatedly banned to optimize manpower for national security. The military intervention highlights a deepening crackdown on the misuse of security personnel across the country.

The recent operation by the Nigerian Army is part of a broader effort to ensure that all security agencies comply with the executive order intended to redirect police resources toward protecting the general public rather than private elites. High-ranking keywords such as police withdrawal order, VIP escort arrest, and Nigerian Army police clash are trending as the public reacts to the enforcement of this policy.

Security experts suggest that the persistent defiance of the presidential order by some officers stems from the lucrative nature of private security arrangements. However, the Federal Government has reiterated that unauthorized deployments weaken the capacity of the police to combat rising cases of kidnapping and banditry.

The four apprehended officers have reportedly been handed over to the appropriate authorities for internal disciplinary action and potential prosecution. This incident serves as a stern warning to other security personnel and Very Important Persons who continue to flout the ban.

As the government intensifies its reform of the security sector, the collaboration between the Army and the Police leadership is expected to tighten. The administration remains committed to ensuring that the safety of every Nigerian citizen takes precedence over the private protection of a few individuals.