By DAPO FALADE
The Police Force Headquarters, Abuja, on Tuesday, ordered the immediate withdrawal of security personnel attached to politicians and Very Important Personalities (VIPs) in 25 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The directive on the withdrawal of the security personnel was contained in a ‘Police Wireless Message’, dated 21 October, 2020 and issued by the Office of the AIG Police Protect, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Though no reason was given for the short directive, it may not be unconnected with the ongoing upheavals in some parts of the country, and alleged abuse of the use of security personnel by the affected politicians.
As contained in the message, the affected state police commands are directed to withdraw, with immediate effect, the security personnel attached to all VIPs, except those attached to Government Houses, the President of the Senate and the Speaker, House of Representatives.
The directive further warned that any commander who violates the order will bear the consequences, while all the withdrawn security personnel are expected to report to the Commissioner of Police in their respective states.
The directive affects police commands in Kano, Lagos, Adamawa, Benue, Edo, Rivers, Kogi, Abia, Sokoto, Osun, Bauchi, Ogun, Ondo, Anambra, Enugu, Oyo, Delta, Cross River and Ebonyi states, as well as the National Assembly.
The coded directive, CB: 4001/DOPS/SPU/FHQ/ABU/VOL./ORDER AND DIRECTIVE, stated: “INGENPOL directs you withdraw all protect personnel yours attached to all VIPs except those attached to Government Houses, Senate President and Speaker, House of Representatives with immediate effect.
“Any commander who violates this order will bear the consequences. Any protect personnel found escorting or guarding any VIP with or without firearm is deemed to be deployed by the commander and the commander will be sanctioned.
“All withdrawn protect personnel are to report to COMPOL Commands. Acknowledge receipt and confirm compliance please.”
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