Major Shake-Up In Police Ranks: IGP Redirects VIP Security Officers To Crime Control

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered all state Commissioners of Police to take immediate control of Special Protection Unit (SPU) bases within their jurisdictions.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In the directive, the IGP instructed that personnel previously assigned to VIP protection be redeployed to conventional anti-crime duties across the country.

The order, issued via an internal police wireless message on January 5, 2026, by the Department of Operations (DOPS) at Force Headquarters, Abuja, was addressed to all Commissioners of Police and copied to key departments and Assistant Inspectors-General across Zones 1 to 17.

“You are to deploy all personnel withdrawn from VIP protection for conventional anti-crime duties,” the message read.

The IGP also directed state commands to organise training programmes for redeployed officers where necessary, to ensure they remain effective in crime prevention and response operations.

Additionally, each state command was instructed to compile and submit a detailed list of the redeployed officers to Force Headquarters for proper documentation and monitoring.

The message stated:

“CB:4001/FDPS/DOPS/FHQ/A83/VOL.9/7 – ORDER AND DIRECTIVES – INGENPOL DIRECTS ALL COMMAND COMPOLS TO TAKE CHARGE/CONTROL OF ALL SPU BASES WITHIN THEIR AOR. YOU ARE TO DEPLOY ALL PERSONNEL WITHDRAWN FROM VIP PROTECTION FOR CONVENTIONAL ANTI-CRIME DUTIES. INGENPOL FURTHER DIRECTS YOU TO ORGANISE TRAINING PROGRAMMES FOR THE WITHDRAWN PERSONNEL WHERE NECESSARY. YOU ARE TO FORWARD A COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF THE SAID PERSONNEL. ALL TO ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT FOR STRICT COMPLIANCE PLEASE.”