IGP makes U-turn, asks police orderlies to remain with VIPs — for now

Ibrahim Idris, inspector-general of police, has ordered a temporary halt of the order to withdraw police personnel attached to private individuals and companies.

Ibrahim Moshood, the police spokesman, announced this in a statement on Thursday.

He said the temporary halt is to carry out a thorough assessment of the deployment of police personnel.

“The withdrawal will now take effect from April 20,” he said

“This is to enable the force to carry out a thorough assessment of the current deployment and carry out appropriate withdrawal.”

Moshood said the IGP has, therefore, ordered police officers across the country to “revise and return those already withdrawn to their duty posts pending the new date.”

“The task force teams set up by the IG at the force headquarters, the force x–squad and others set up by the AIGs and CPs, have equally been directed by Idris to suspend the enforcement of the withdrawal with immediate effect pending the new date.

“Members of the public, political and political office holders, including VIPs and other categories of enterprises and corporate individuals and other entities, are to retain the police officers currently with them on deployment.

“They may be provided after the expiration of the period, if found worthy from the special protection unit of the force but should apply for re-validation through the commissioner of police of the state they are domiciled before the expiration of the new date of 20th April 2018.

“The renewed commitment of the Nigeria police force to guarantee the protection of lives and property across the country remains unequivocal and unwavering.”