The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) has approved the demobilisation of officers attached to the No. 24 Police Mobile Force (PMF) Presidential Escort, State House, Abuja, with immediate redeployment to various state commands across the country, SaharaReporters has learned.
A police signal dated December 16, 2025, referenced CH:5660/WEL/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.96, and issued from the Department of Finance and Administration (Welfare), Force Headquarters, Abuja, directed senior police formations to effect the movement of affected personnel without delay.
The signal, addressed to the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, Assistant Inspectors-General of Police overseeing PMF and zonal commands, as well as Commissioners of Police nationwide, confirmed that the demobilisation affects officers previously deployed to provide close protection at the Presidential Villa.
According to the directive, the officers are to return from Abuja to their respective commands, including Adamawa, Kebbi, Kaduna and others.
The signal was also copied to the Chief Personal Security Officer to the President, the Commander of No. 24 PMF Abuja, and police formations in cities including Abakaliki, Ado-Ekiti, Awka, Bauchi, Calabar, Damaturu, Enugu, Gombe, Jos, Kano, Katsina, Makurdi, Maiduguri, Minna, Owerri, Sokoto, Uyo, Yola and Yenagoa, indicating the scale of the internal police movement.
In November, President Tinubu ordered the withdrawal of police officers from VIP escort and guard duties, insisting that they be redeployed to core policing amid rising insecurity.
The directive has already triggered enforcement measures, with the Nigeria Police Force deploying special teams to monitor compliance and civil defence officers being assigned to replace withdrawn escorts.
Culled from Sahara Reporters
