Despite President Bola Tinubu’s directive ordering the withdrawal of police security personnel from VIPs and government officials, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has approved the continued deployment of police officers to officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Documents obtained by SaharaReporters show that the approval applies to all National Commissioners, Resident Electoral Commissioners, the Acting Director-General of the Electoral Institute, and directors of the Commission nationwide.
The approval was conveyed in a letter dated January 8, 2026, with reference number CB:2032/IGP.SEC/ABJ/VOL.5/45, signed by the Principal Staff Officer to the IGP, CP Lateef Adio Ahmed. Titled “Appeal for Exemption From Order to Withdraw Police Security Personnel Attached to VIPs,” the letter stated that the IGP granted INEC’s request following the Commission’s appeal dated December 11, 2025, formally approving the continued attachment of police personnel to its officials.
President Tinubu had earlier directed the Nigeria Police Force to withdraw officers assigned to VIPs and public office holders to curb misuse of security personnel and strengthen grassroots policing, a move widely seen as applying broadly with limited constitutional exemptions. However, the IGP’s approval effectively exempts INEC officials from the directive. The Commission confirmed the development in a statement issued on January 19, 2026, signed by its Secretary, Dr. Rose Oriaran-Anthony, noting that the request was approved and outlining the reasons behind the appeal.