By SUNTV Global Channel | January 5, 2026
In a major operational shake-up aimed at strengthening internal security across Nigeria, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered all state Commissioners of Police to redeploy officers withdrawn from VIP protection duties to frontline anti-crime operations nationwide.
SUNTV Global Channel reports that the directive was conveyed through an internal police wireless message issued by the Department of Operations (DOPS) at Force Headquarters, Abuja, on January 5, 2026. The signal, obtained by SaharaReporters, was addressed to all Commissioners of Police and copied to key police formations, including top departments and Assistant Inspectors-General across Zones 1 to 17.
According to the directive, all Special Protection Unit (SPU) bases across the country are to be placed under the direct charge and control of state police commands. The IGP instructed Commissioners to immediately deploy all personnel recently withdrawn from VIP escort and protection assignments to conventional policing and anti-crime duties.
“You are to deploy all personnel withdrawn from VIP protection for conventional anti-crime duties,” the signal stated, underscoring a force-wide strategy to boost visible policing and crime prevention amid growing security concerns nationwide.
The IGP further directed state commands to organise training programmes for the redeployed officers where necessary, to ensure they are adequately prepared for operational demands in crime prevention, intelligence gathering, and rapid response.
In addition, Commissioners of Police were instructed to forward comprehensive lists of all affected personnel to Force Headquarters for proper documentation, monitoring, and coordination.
The signal concluded with a firm call for compliance, stating: “All to acknowledge receipt for strict compliance.”
Security analysts say the move reflects the police leadership’s determination to prioritise public safety over elite protection, while maximising manpower for community policing and crime-fighting operations across the country.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor developments as the directive is implemented nationwide.
