Hadiza Bala-Usman condemns VIP police escorts, urges security reforms to prioritize national safety over elite protection using anti-terrorism squads

Hadiza Bala-Usman condemns VIP police escorts, describing the trend as a dangerous misuse of national security resources that leaves ordinary Nigerians vulnerable.

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Speaking at the Ministry of Interior’s performance retreat on Thursday in Abuja, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy and Coordination called for the urgent end of police deployment for VIP personal protection.

“One of the most disturbing things is seeing VIPs arrive with a convoy of armed policemen, while areas facing real threats are left unprotected,” she stated.

Bala-Usman, who also leads the Central Delivery Coordination Unit (CDCU), strongly criticised the diversion of elite anti-terrorism squads to escort politicians and influential individuals, particularly in upscale areas like Ikoyi, Lagos.

“We cannot continue to deploy police trained for anti-terrorism operations just to guard individuals in Ikoyi. That is completely wrong,” she asserted.

Hadiza Bala-Usman condemns VIP police escorts not only on ethical grounds but also as a matter of strategic national interest.

She revealed that she had personally reported cases of police units misused for VIP security to the National Security Adviser, warning that such practices weaken the fight against crime and terrorism.

She proposed amending the Private Guard Companies Act to allow licensed private security firms to assume VIP protection duties, thus freeing up government forces for real security operations.

“If someone wants armed guards, they should hire private security — not take our mobile policemen away from national security duties,” she said.

The presidential aide also advocated for the integration of retired senior police officers—including former AIGs and DIGs—into structured private security firms, creating jobs while easing pressure on the nation’s stretched security forces.

“VIP protection is not a public entitlement. It is a service that should be paid for,” Bala-Usman emphasized.

According to her, the Interior Ministry has been tasked with reviewing the necessary legislation and delivering concrete reforms by the end of Q3 2025.

Her remarks echo growing concerns among Nigerians about unequal security access, where privileged individuals are heavily guarded while communities face rising insecurity.

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Hadiza Bala-Usman condemns VIP police escorts as not only unsustainable but a serious misallocation of national resources, calling for immediate and institutional change.