The Nigeria Police Force yesterday, denied the authenticity of the list of officers withdrawn from providing protection to certain Very Important Personalities (VIPs) following a directive from President Bola Tinubu.
Our correspondent reports that this list circulating on social media alleged that the Police had removed officers assigned to VIP duties for several notable figures, including former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, and former First Lady, Aisha Buhari, among others.
However, in a statement issued yesterday, the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, clarified that the list, which purportedly originated from the 50 Police Mobile Force (PMF) Squadron, is false.
Hundeyin added that the document, allegedly signed by one CSP Suleiman Abdullahi, described as the Admin Officer of the squadron, should be disregarded by the public.
He assured that the Police Force remains committed to implementing the directive of President Tinubu on the withdrawal of officers from VIP duties, but noted that the process is being carried out in a structured, phased and professional manner to ensure that no security vacuum is created that could be exploited by criminal elements.
The full clarification from Hundeyin read that “the Nigeria Police Force wishes to address a purported document circulating widely on social media and other platforms, claiming to originate from 50 Police Mobile Force (PMF) Squadron, Abuja, directing all police officers attached to certain individuals to report back to base immediately.
“The Force wishes to categorically state that this document, allegedly signed by one CSP Suleiman Abdullahi, described as the Admin Officer of the squadron, is fake and should be disregarded by the public. “There is no officer by the name CSP Suleiman Abdullahi serving in 50 PMF Squadron, nor is the position of Admin Officer in any PMF squadron held by an officer of the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP).
“This fabrication appears to be a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and create unnecessary confusion.
“For emphasis, the Nigeria Police Force confirms that the implementation of the Presidential Directive on the withdrawal of police officers from VIP duties has indeed commenced.
“However, this process is being carried out in a structured, phased and professional manner to ensure that no security vacuum is created that could be exploited by criminal elements.
“Our priority remains the safety and security of all Nigerians, and measures have been put in place to ensure absolute maintenance of law and order throughout the transition period.
“The public is urged to rely on official channels for accurate information and to refrain from sharing unverified documents.
