The Nigeria Police Force has denied a viral list circulating regarding the purported withdrawal of officers from the protection of some Very Important Personalities (VIPs) following a directive from President Bola Tinubu.
Naijaonpoint reports that the viral list on social media claimed that the Police had withdrawn officers on VIP duties with some notable citizens, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, former First Lady Aisha Buhari and many others.
However, in a clarification made by the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, in a statement on Friday, the Police said the list, purported to have originated from the 50 Police Mobile Force (PMF) Squadron, is fake.
Hundeyin added that the document, allegedly signed by one CSP Suleiman Abdullahi, described as the Admin Officer of the squadron, should be disregarded by the public.
He assured that the Police Force remains committed to implementing the directive of President Tinubu on the withdrawal of officers from VIP duties, but noted that the process is being carried out in a structured, phased, and professional manner to ensure that no security vacuum is created that could be exploited by criminal elements.
The full clarification from Hundeyin reads: “The Nigeria Police Force wishes to address a purported document circulating widely on social media and other platforms, claiming to originate from 50 Police Mobile Force (PMF) Squadron, Abuja, directing all police officers attached to certain individuals to report back to base immediately.
“The Force wishes to categorically state that this document, allegedly signed by one CSP Suleiman Abdullahi, described as the Admin Officer of the squadron, is fake and should be disregarded by the public.
“There is no officer by the name CSP Suleiman Abdullahi serving in 50 PMF Squadron, nor is the position of Admin Officer in any PMF squadron held by an officer of the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP).
“This fabrication appears to be a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and create unnecessary confusion.
“For emphasis, the Nigeria Police Force confirms that the implementation of the Presidential Directive on the withdrawal of police officers from VIP duties has indeed commenced.
“However, this process is being carried out in a structured, phased, and professional manner to ensure that no security vacuum is created that could be exploited by criminal elements.
“Our priority remains the safety and security of all Nigerians, and measures have been put in place to ensure absolute maintenance of law and order throughout the transition period.
“The public is urged to rely on official channels for accurate information and to refrain from sharing unverified documents that could undermine public confidence.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the protection of lives and property at all times.”
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