Few days after it was reported that the Nigerian Police will be withdrawing police escorts attached to VIPs in the country, the exercise has been called off by the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris.
The suspension of the withdrawl came after Idris’ meeting with the Commanders of Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) and Special Protection Unit (SPU).
Speaking the newsmen on the new development, Police spokesman, Jimoh Moshood who spoke on behalf of IGP Ibrahim Idris, said;
“IGP Idris has graciously shifted the enforcement/implementation of the withdrawal of Police Officers attached to Political and Public Office Holders, VIPs, Public and Private Companies and other categories of enterprises and business outfits and corporate individuals throughout the country as earlier directed”, said Jimoh Moshood, the police spokesman.
“The withdrawal will now take effect from the 20th of April, 2018. This is to enable the Force carry out a thorough assessment of the current deployment and carry out appropriate withdrawal.
“The Task Force Teams set up by the IGP at the Force Headquarters, the Force X – Squad and others set up by the Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioner of Police at the Zonal and State Commands have equally been directed by the Inspector-General of Police to suspend the enforcement of the withdrawal with immediate effect pending the new date. For avoidance of doubt, members of the Public, Political and Public Office Holders, VIPs, Public and Private Companies and other categories of enterprises and business outfits and corporate individuals and other entities are to retain the Police Officers currently with them on deployment.
They may be provided after the expiration of the period, if found worthy from the Special Protection Unit of the Force but should apply for re-validation through the Commissioner of Police of the State they are domiciled before the expiration of the new date of 20th April, 2018. The renewed commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to guarantee protection of lives and property across the country remains unequivocal and unwavering”.
