The Nigeria Police Force, acting on a directive from President Bola Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has ordered the immediate withdrawal of all personnel from the Special Protection Unit (SPU) attached to both VIPs and regular beats across the country.
This massive recall is part of a broader, ongoing effort to restructure VIP security arrangements nationwide, shifting personnel back to core police duties.
The directive was confirmed via a memo signed by ASP Neji Veronica, the Administrative Officer of SPU Base 16, Lagos. The memo was shared publicly on Tuesday, the 25th of November, 2025, by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on X (formerly Twitter).
The official memo emphasized the urgency and non-negotiable nature of the command, requiring all affected personnel to report back to their respective stations by the close of business on November 24, 2025.
READ ALSO:Â Police Withdrawal Order: Don’t Be Selective, Activists Advise Tinubu
The directive was explicitly referenced as stemming from the highest level of authority: “Sequel to the directive of Mr President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces on the withdrawal of police personnel attached to VIPs, the Commanding Officer directs, with immediate effect, the withdrawal of all personnel of SPU Base 16 attached to VIPs/Beats across the federation back to base.”
The memo concluded with a stern warning regarding attendance and compliance: “You are all warned to report back before the end of today, Monday, 24/11/2025, and all to attend the lecture parade tomorrow. Attendance shall be taken from the nominal roll. This is for your information and strict compliance“ it reads.