IGP Reportedly Approves Police Escorts for INEC Officials Despite Presidential Directive

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has reportedly approved the deployment of police escorts to officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), despite an earlier directive by President Bola Tinubu ordering the withdrawal of police personnel attached to VIPs.

The presidential order was aimed at freeing officers assigned to personal protection duties and redeploying them to frontline policing, including crime prevention and public safety operations across the country. Under the directive, individuals and institutions requiring protection were advised to make alternative security arrangements outside the Nigeria Police Force.

However, internal documents indicate that police escorts have been approved for INEC national commissioners, resident electoral commissioners, and some senior officials of the electoral body. The approval has raised questions about adherence to the directive and whether exemptions are being quietly granted to select institutions.

The development has sparked concerns among observers who argue that allowing exceptions could undermine the broader objective of strengthening community policing and improving security nationwide. Others maintain that electoral officials require heightened protection due to the sensitive nature of their responsibilities.

As of now, there has been no official public clarification on whether INEC officials were formally exempted from the presidential order or if the approvals represent a deviation from the directive.