The Inspector General of Police (IGP) has ordered the demobilisation and redeployment of officers from the No. 24 Police Mobile Force Presidential Escort Unit, previously tasked with providing close protection for President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja.
The directive instructs that affected personnel be reassigned to police commands across the country, effectively ending their duties as members of the presidential escort.
Sources indicate that the redeployment was carried out quietly and affects officers who had been part of the elite security unit responsible for the President’s personal safety.
The IGP’s directive is part of broader police personnel management and operational realignment, aiming to:
• Enhance security coverage across states
• Optimize deployment of highly trained officers for local policing needs
• Maintain operational readiness of specialized units
The No. 24 Police Mobile Force Presidential Escort Unit is a specialized formation within the Nigeria Police Force tasked with:
• Close protection of the President and visiting dignitaries
• High-profile event security at the State House
• Coordinating with other security agencies on VIP protection
The redeployment does not signal a reduction in presidential security, as other protective arrangements remain in place under the State House security command structure.
Security analysts note that redeploying elite officers back to state commands could:
• Strengthen state-level policing and response capabilities
• Provide experience to local police units in managing high-risk security operations
• Improve resource allocation in line with national policing priorities
However, some experts caution that transition planning is essential to avoid gaps in both presidential protection and state security coverage.
The IGP is expected to:
1. Oversee the reassignment of officers to their new commands
2. Ensure continuity of VIP security arrangements at the State House
3. Monitor operational efficiency and officer welfare during redeployment
The Nigeria Police Force continues to emphasise discipline, professionalism, and strategic deployment of personnel to meet evolving national security needs.
