By
Rahman Owokoniran
In the course of the week, I have seen countless posts pointing to Nigeria’s declining institutional strength and societal cohesion, especially on the presidential order demanding the withdrawal of police attachees to VIPs.
The absence of inclusivity, tolerance, respect for human dignity, and the rights of others has gradually weakened our national structures. Unfortunately, the Inspector General of Police’s public response in the video circulating online reflects these deeper systemic challenges.
While the President’s reaction to recent security concerns may have been spontaneous, the IGP’s overly submissive posture was unnecessary and smacks of lack of professionalism. His duty is not to echo political directives but to present informed, strategic solutions. Simply recalling over 11,000 police officers from VIP duties is not a sustainable response and may, in fact, worsen operational policing across the country. Why do I say so?
This is not the first time such an exercise has been carried out, and yet, the underlying problems persist because no structural reform accompanies it.
Am I suggesting that the IGP should disobey his boss, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria? Never.
But a more realistic and effective approach would be the IGP’s creation of a Specialized VIP Protection Institute. This should be a dedicated institution separate from the regular police structure. Officers trained there would provide professional, high level security services to VIPs at a cost, ensuring quality protection while preventing the drain of manpower from public policing. The returns from this service could be reinvested in modern policing infrastructure, surveillance technology, and officer training.
This model ensures a win-win outcome: VIPs receive competent, specialized security, while the general public benefits from a better-resourced and more efficient police force. It is time to replace spontaneous political reactions with thoughtful, long-term institutional reforms that truly strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
RAHMAN OWOKONIRAN
ADC MEDIA NETWORK 2.0
