IGP Demobilises ‘Prescort’ Mopol 24 from Aso Rock, Enforces Tinubu’s Order on VIP Protection

By John Paul

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) has approved the immediate demobilisation and nationwide redeployment of officers attached to the No. 24 Police Mobile Force (PMF), popularly known as the Presidential Escort (“Prescort”), from the State House, Abuja, in strict compliance with President Bola Tinubu’s directive.
The order was conveyed in a police signal dated December 16, 2025, with reference number CH:5660/WEL/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.96, issued by the Department of Finance and Administration (Welfare), Force Headquarters, Abuja.
The signal, addressed to the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, Assistant Inspectors-General overseeing PMF and zonal commands, as well as Commissioners of Police across the federation, directed that the movement of the affected officers be effected immediately.
According to the directive, the redeployment affects officers previously assigned to close protection and guard duties at the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock. The officers are to return from Abuja to their respective state commands to resume core policing duties.
States listed for redeployment include Adamawa, Kebbi, Kaduna, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Bayelsa, Cross River, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Enugu, Gombe, and the Federal Capital Territory. Others are Imo, Jigawa, Kogi, Kano, Katsina, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Ondo, Osun, Plateau, Sokoto, Taraba, and Yobe states, as well as police zones including Zone 1 (Kano), Zone 3 (Yola), and Zone 7 (Abuja).
Copies of the signal were forwarded to the Chief Personal Security Officer to the President, the Commander of No. 24 PMF, Abuja, and other relevant police formations nationwide.
The demobilisation follows a directive issued by President Tinubu in November, ordering the withdrawal of police personnel from VIP escort and guard duties across the country. The President had mandated that such officers be redeployed to frontline policing to strengthen internal security and improve police presence in communities.
In line with the directive, enforcement measures have been activated, including the deployment of special police teams to ensure compliance, while civil defence personnel have been assigned to take over some of the escort and guard responsibilities vacated by the police.