The Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed the public outcry trailing the recent directive on the withdrawal of police escorts attached to private individuals, describing the reactions as exaggerated, misleading, and driven by political motives.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the party’s spokesperson, Hon. Seye Oladejo, said the directive was a routine administrative reform aimed at restoring professionalism within the Nigeria Police Force and enhancing public safety, not a punitive action against any individual or group.
According to the APC, the deployment of police personnel over the years has been heavily skewed in favour of VIP protection, leaving communities under-policed while thousands of officers served as personal security for private citizens. The party noted that security experts have repeatedly called for a review of the practice.
Oladejo stressed that the current reform aligns with long-standing recommendations and is part of broader efforts by the Federal Government to reposition the police for effective service delivery.
He criticised opposition figures for what he described as attempts to politicize the development, arguing that their reactions reflect a sense of entitlement rather than genuine concern for national security.
“This policy is neither new nor targeted. It is a responsible measure to ensure that police officers serve the public interest rather than function as status symbols for a privileged few,” the statement read.
“The loud complaints from some quarters only reveal an entrenched mindset that views public institutions as personal possessions.”
The party commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Inspector General of Police for initiating reforms that prioritise the safety of ordinary Nigerians, insisting that the decision should be applauded rather than criticized.
Oladejo also clarified that the directive does not affect individuals whose security details are legally mandated, including public office holders. Instead, it addresses excessive and indiscriminate deployment of police escorts for private purposes.
He added that more reforms should be expected in the coming months as the government continues its efforts to strengthen community policing and enhance accountability within the security sector.
“The supposed outrage is unnecessary, the fearmongering is baseless, and the attempt to politicize the directive is without merit. This is a positive step toward rebuilding an effective and disciplined policing system,” he stated.
— Lagos APC, December 3, 2025
