Despite President Bola Tinubu’s directive ordering the withdrawal of police personnel from VIPs and government officials, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has approved the continued deployment of officers to officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Documents obtained by Reporters show that the approval covers all National Commissioners, Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs), the Acting Director-General of the Electoral Institute, and Directors of the Commission nationwide. The decision was communicated in a letter dated January 8, 2026, signed by CP Lateef Adio Ahmed, Principal Staff Officer to the IGP, titled: “APPEAL FOR EXEMPTION FROM ORDER TO WITHDRAW POLICE SECURITY PERSONNEL ATTACHED TO VIPs.”
The exemption followed an appeal by INEC dated December 11, 2025, citing the sensitive nature of the Commission’s constitutional responsibilities, including election management, and a history of attacks on electoral officials and INEC facilities across the country.
INEC confirmed the approval in a statement issued on January 19, 2026, signed by Secretary to the Commission, Dr. Rose Oriaran-Anthony, noting that the exemption was granted to ensure the safety and continuity of the Commission’s critical functions.
President Tinubu’s original directive aimed to reduce the misuse of police officers, strengthen grassroots policing, and redeploy personnel to areas with higher public safety needs. As of late 2025, over 11,500 officers had been withdrawn from VIP protection for redeployment to frontline duties, including rural and township security, rapid response, and intelligence-driven operations.
The latest approval signals that INEC officials have formally been exempted from the withdrawal, highlighting the perceived need for enhanced security for election management functions amid Nigeria’s complex electoral landscape.
