Following the arrest of 130 individuals for cybercrimes threatening national security, including 113 foreign nationals and 17 Nigerians, Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has pledged a crackdown on unauthorized police protection services after it was revealed that certain Nigerian police officers had been unlawfully escorting foreign suspects.
The suspects, predominantly Chinese and Malaysian nationals, were detained on November 4 during a major operation targeting cybercriminal networks.
However, an investigation has since revealed that some officers were illegally providing security for these foreign nationals before their arrest—a disclosure that has sparked public outrage and a call for greater transparency within Nigeria’s security agencies.
“These officers were not deployed for this task through proper channels; they were on unauthorized duty,” Egbetokun stated during a workshop focused on standardizing criminal investigations. The Inspector-General emphasized that the police authorities disavowed the officers’ actions, stating that their unit commanders had not sanctioned the assignments.
“Their commanders have denied sending them on such duties, and the involved officers are now in custody and will face strict disciplinary action,” he said.
The Inspector-General also seized the opportunity to address the broader issue of police escorts, highlighting the need for a balanced approach in providing protection to legitimate VIPs and prominent business figures who contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economy.
“Some individuals, particularly those employing large numbers of Nigerians or running significant enterprises, are entitled to protection due to the critical role they play in the national economy,” he explained, clarifying that such protections are part of the police mandate.
However, Egbetokun expressed concern over the unauthorized use of police resources, stating that officers attached to individuals without proper authorization often undermine the system.
“Many officers seen with individuals who do not qualify for protection were not officially deployed. In some cases, they were taken from local ranks without proper clearance, and we are committed to investigating these cases and holding supervisors accountable,” he affirmed.
The police chief also warned that any VIPs found misusing their escort privileges would have these protections revoked.
“We have encountered cases where entitled individuals abuse the privileges of police escorts, and in such cases, we withdraw those services immediately,” he cautioned.
Egbetokun’s remarks signal an impending restructuring aimed at restoring the integrity of police assignments.
The Inspector-General’s promise to enhance accountability within the ranks is expected to reassure the public, particularly as Nigeria continues to tackle both local and transnational security threats posed by cybercrime networks.