Mohammed Adamu, the Inspector General of Police, with immediate effect, has reportedly ordered the removal of police officers attached to all VIPs (Very Important Persons) in Nigeria, except those attached to government houses, senate president, speaker and house of representatives.
The directive, which followed weeks of #EndSARS protests demanding an end to police brutality across the country, was issued via a police wireless message on Wednesday, October 21.
It was also added that a violation of the order by any commander will be met with penalties.
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The directive reads,
“Inspector-general of police directs you to withdraw all protect personnel attached to all VIPs, except those attached to government houses, senate president, speaker, house of representatives with immediate effect,”
“Any commander who violates this order will bear the consequences. Any protect personnel found escorting or guarding any VIP with or without firearm is deemed to be deployed by the commander and the commander will be sanctioned.”
All removed operatives were instructed to report to their commands.
However, recall that the same directive was issued by Adamu’s predecessor, Ibrahim Idris, in 2018 wherein he later went back to ask that the officers remain with VIPs.