The Nigerian Army has arrested four police officers for allegedly defying President Bola Tinubu’s directive withdrawing policemen from non-essential VIP escort duties, raising fresh concerns over enforcement of the controversial security reform.
PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the officers were apprehended by military personnel on December 17, 2025, at about 9:30am while allegedly providing unauthorised armed escort services to a VIP.
Security sources disclosed that those arrested were Assistant Superintendent of Police Musa Waziri and Inspector Jeremiah Achimogu, both attached to the 45 Police Mobile Force, Abuja; Inspector Awipi Terry of the 21 PMF; and Inspector Hassan Baba of the 50 PMF, Abuja.
According to the sources, the arrest followed intelligence indicating that the officers were operating in violation of the presidential order mandating the redeployment of police personnel from private individuals and VIP protection to core policing duties.
It was further learnt that the policemen allegedly attempted to evade detection by wearing uniforms resembling those of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, a move security officials described as “deliberate deception”.
“The officers were intercepted by military personnel after it was discovered that they were on unauthorised escort duty and had disguised themselves to beat security checks,” a security source told PLATFORM TIMES.
The arrested officers have since been detained, while disciplinary procedures have reportedly been initiated against them in line with police regulations.
President Tinubu had earlier directed the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to withdraw all police personnel attached to private individuals and non-essential VIPs, as part of efforts to strengthen public safety and redeploy officers to combat rising insecurity nationwide.
Under the directive, affected officers were instructed to return to their commands and submit their service rifles for redeployment.
However, findings by PLATFORM TIMES indicate that the policy has faced widespread resistance and alleged sabotage within the system.
Security and police sources revealed that several officers affected by the withdrawal order allegedly returned to VIP duties through disguises, bribery and informal arrangements.
“Some officers now wear NSCDC or vigilante uniforms, while others operate as private drivers in suits, yet they remain armed and on protection duties,” a police source said.
The source further alleged that some officers paid as much as ₦500,000 to have their service rifles reissued after officially returning them, before resuming escort duties.
PLATFORM TIMES also learnt that although the police authorities set up a monitoring team to enforce compliance, the exercise has been largely ineffective.
“The enforcement has been more symbolic than real. A few officers were arrested for show and quietly released,” another source disclosed.
Security experts warn that the continued violation of the withdrawal order undermines both presidential authority and efforts to strengthen community policing, while exposing deep-rooted corruption and institutional resistance within the security architecture.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Nigeria Police Force nor the Defence Headquarters had issued an official statement on the arrest.
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