The Nigerian military has arrested four police officers for allegedly providing unauthorised VIP escort services, in direct violation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive withdrawing police personnel from private and VIP protection duties. The arrest reportedly occurred on December 17, 2025, at about 9:30 a.m., while the officers were on escort assignment.
Those arrested include ASP Musa Waziri and Inspector Jeremiah Achimogu of 45 Police Mobile Force (PMF), Abuja, Inspector Awipi Terry of 21 PMF, and Inspector Hassan Baba of 50 PMF, Abuja. Security sources disclosed that the officers were apprehended by military personnel after allegedly flouting the presidential order aimed at ending the misuse of police manpower.
In a disturbing twist, the officers were said to have worn uniforms resembling those of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), allegedly to evade detection and deceive enforcement agents. Following their arrest, they were detained and disciplinary procedures were reportedly initiated in line with Nigeria Police Force regulations.
The Federal Government had earlier ordered the immediate withdrawal of police officers from VIP escort and guard duties, citing the need to redeploy personnel to core policing functions, crime prevention, and internal security operations amid rising insecurity nationwide. The incident raises fresh legal and institutional questions about command enforcement, inter-agency discipline, and accountability within Nigeria’s security architecture.
