Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, has shifted the withdrawal of police officers attached to Political and Public Office Holders (VIPs), Public and Private Companies to April 20.
Idris had on March 19, ordered the immediate withdrawal of all police officers attached to VIPs, political and public office holders in the country.
But he seems to have made a U-turn based on pressure from higher quarters.
A statement by the Force spokesman, Assistant Commissioner of Police Jimoh Moshood, in Abuja on Thursday, linked the shift to the IGP’s meeting with the Commanders of Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) and Special Protection Unit (SPU).
Moshood said that the shift would enable the Force carry out a thorough assessment of the current deployment and carry out appropriate withdrawal.
He said that the DIG of Police Operations has been mandated to direct Commissioners of Police, Assistant Inspectors-General of Police in the States and Zonal Commands to halt the withdrawal, pending the new date.
He said that the Task Forces set up by the IGP and the Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioners of Police, have also been directed to suspend the enforcement of the withdrawal.
Moshood urged VIPs, Political and Public Office Holders and other entities to retain the police officers currently with them on deployment.
“The renewed commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to guarantee protection of lives and property across the country remains unequivocal and unwavering,” Jimoh said.
Earlier, Idris said that a memo would be forwarded to President Muhammadu Buhari for approval.