The Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, has shifted the
withdrawal of police officers attached to political and public office
holders, VIPs, public and private companies to April 20.
Mr. Idris had on March 19 ordered the immediate withdrawal of all
police officers attached to individuals, especially political and public
office holders in the country.
However, a statement by the Force spokesman, Jimoh Moshood, in Abuja
on Thursday, however, said the shift followed the I-G’s meeting with the
Commanders of Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU)
and Special Protection Unit (SPU).
Mr. Moshood said the shift would enable the Force carry out a
thorough assessment of the current deployment and carry out appropriate
withdrawal.
He said that the DIG of police in charge of Operations, has been
mandated to direct Commissioners of Police, Assistant Inspectors-General
of Police in the States and Zonal Commands to halt the withdrawal
pending the new date.
He said the Task Forces set up by the I-G and the Assistant
Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioners of Police, have also been
directed to suspend the enforcement of the withdrawal.
The spokesman urged VIPs, Political and Public Office Holders and
other entities to retain the police officers currently with them on
deployment.
“The renewed commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to guarantee
protection of lives and property across the country remains unequivocal
and unwavering,” Mr. Jimoh said.
NAN also reports that the police boss had said that a memo would be forwarded to President Muhammadu Buhari for approval
(NAN).