The Federal Government has announced plans to end the misuse of police officers and security operatives by Very Important Persons (VIPs), stressing that excessive deployment of elite protection compromises public safety.

Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala-Usman, disclosed this at the ongoing Ministerial Retreat of the Federal Ministry of Interior in Suleja, Niger State.

She condemned the diversion of police personnel, including anti-terrorism units, for VIP escort duties, noting that the practice has created serious security gaps across the country.

“We cannot continue to deploy police trained for anti-terrorism to guard a VIP in Ikoyi. That is completely wrong,” Bala-Usman said. “If anyone feels they need protection, let them hire a licensed security company to provide it.”

To address the situation, she revealed that the government is working to amend the Private Guard Companies Act, empowering certified private security firms to take over VIP protection services.

“We must free our policemen to focus on national security. Whoever feels too important and needs submachine guns around him should go and hire private guards with the necessary documentation, not take our mobile policemen,” she added.

Highlighting manpower shortages in the Nigeria Police Force, Bala-Usman stressed that redeploying officers from VIP escort duties to core security operations is long overdue. She also proposed integrating retired senior officers into regulated private security outfits to boost professionalism and create jobs.

“We have so many retired AIGs, DIGs, and CPs who can be absorbed into a structured private security system. That way, we provide employment while easing pressure on our overstretched police officers,” she said.

According to her, VIP protection is not a public entitlement but a service that should be paid for. She urged the Interior Ministry and the National Assembly to expedite legislative reforms before the third quarter of 2025.