Former presidential aide Laolu Akande has indicated that the federal government’s plan to strip VIPs of police escorts will not happen overnight, despite ongoing pressure to strengthen policing in communities facing rising insecurity.
Akande, who spoke as a guest on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, argued that although President Bola Tinubu has already issued a firm directive, the security architecture requires a phased rollout to avoid disruptions.
He noted that operational realities within the police force make an immediate sweep unrealistic.
He said during the programme that the move is already in motion but progressing cautiously.
“From all the conversations I’ve had with people in the security system, it’s clear this transition cannot be carried out in a single stroke,” Akande said, adding that several officers privately admitted the complexity of reassigning personnel long tied to VIP protection.
The commentary aired days after President Tinubu ordered the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to withdraw escorts attached to VIPs and deploy them to critical security hotspots.
The directive followed concerns that too many officers were serving private individuals instead of contributing to national policing.
Akande maintained that the policy is necessary but must be executed with care.
“Everyone agrees the country needs more officers on active duty, but the restructuring has to be managed intelligently,” he said.
Moreover, security analysts have long argued that the country’s policing strength is weakened by the heavy diversion of personnel to private protection.
Akande’s remarks reinforce the view that while reform is underway, its full impact will unfold gradually.
The debate continues to shape discussions within the security community, hinting at broader reforms ahead for Nigeria’s overstretched police force.