News Investigators/ A security expert, Seyi Babaeko, has praised President Bola Tinubu’s directive withdrawing police escorts from VIPs, describing it as a bold and long-overdue step toward restoring the integrity of policing in Nigeria.
Mr Babaeko, the Managing Director/CEO of Absolute Security and Advance Protocol Ltd., made the commendation while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Friday.
The directive, issued to the Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, orders the redeployment of officers previously assigned to politicians, business figures, and other high-profile individuals back to core policing duties.
Mr Babaeko said that the decision reflected a welcome shift toward prioritising the safety of ordinary Nigerians.
“Policing became a service people could buy, and public safety began to feel like a privilege instead of a right.
“This directive puts citizens back at the center of Nigeria’s security strategy, ” he said.
The expert said that further structural reforms were necessary to achieve lasting impact.
Mr Babaeko called for the urgent implementation of the Orosanye Report, particularly the recommendations to merge and reorganise overlapping para-policing and security agencies.
He said that Nigeria’s current security structure was burdened by duplicated roles, resource competition, and excessive costs.
“Streamlining these redundant units will reduce waste and strengthen the core pillars of policing.
“Savings from the reform could be used to boost recruitment, improve equipment and logistics, and enhance welfare for frontline officers,” he said.
The security analyst said that a more unified structure would bring stronger police presence in communities, quicker emergency response, and better relations between officers and citizens.
Mr Babaeko lauded the Tinubu administration for showing readiness to confront deep-rooted issues that had weakened the nation’s security system for years.
He said that the success of the latest directive would depend on consistent implementation and discipline across security institutions.
“If these reforms hold, Nigeria will be a safer place for everyone, not just a privileged few, ” he said.
He urged the government to stay focused on reforms that return the Nigeria Police Force to its constitutional mandate.
“Let’s build a police system that protects and serves the people above private interests. Nigeria deserves nothing less,” he said.
NAN
