Public analysts have described the recent announcement by the Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olukayode Egbetokun, to withdraw police personnel from VIP escort and guard duties as a good policy, but ill-timed.
Egbetokun stated during a meeting with Police Tactical Commanders in Abuja that the withdrawal of Mobile Policemen from VIPs was aimed at curbing the abuse of police personnel. The decision came following public outcry over a viral video showing a man being escorted by seven Mobile Policemen while slaughtering cows for the Sallah festivities.
While the policy has garnered mixed reactions, some public sector analysts are taking a “wait and see” approach.
During his presidential campaign, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had promised to reform the Nigeria Police and free them from extraneous duties such as VIP security and guard duties. He stated that these responsibilities would be transferred to The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Nigeria has varying police-to-population ratios across different states, with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) having the highest ratios. In contrast, Bauchi, Abia, and Sokoto had the lowest ratios in 2016, 2017, and 2018, respectively.
The Executive Director of Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Auwal Ibrahim (Rafsanjani), supports the policy and believes it is one of the best initiatives from the current administration if properly implemented.
Former FCT Police Commissioner, Lawrence Alobi, also supports the policy, emphasizing that the welfare of police officers should be a priority. He called for President Tinubu’s support to ensure the success of the policy.
However, security expert C. Okeke is skeptical about the initiative, describing it as “Executive recklessness.” Okeke believes that without a properly laid-out framework and alternatives, implementation will be challenging.
During a meeting in Lagos, public sector players commended the IGP’s announcement but highlighted the need for the police to refocus on their core duties and address the welfare of police personnel before meaningful reform can take place.
