A new report has revealed that more than 100,000 officers of the Nigeria Police Force are currently deployed to protect politicians and other Very Important Persons. This figure represents a large share of the total police workforce. As a result, many communities across the country are left with fewer officers to handle everyday security challenges.
Because so many officers are assigned to VIP protection, ordinary citizens often experience inadequate coverage. Neighborhoods with rising crime rates struggle to get timely responses. Consequently, residents feel vulnerable to robbery, assault, and other threats. The imbalance between VIP protection and community policing has become a growing concern.
The diversion of officers to VIP duties reduces the visibility of police patrols in public spaces. Furthermore, it weakens trust between citizens and law enforcement. People expect the police to serve everyone equally. However when resources are concentrated on a small group of individuals, the wider population suffers.
Security experts and civil society organizations are urging reforms. They argue that the government should reallocate more officers to community policing. In addition, they recommend better training and equipment to improve efficiency. By shifting priorities, the Nigeria Police Force can strengthen its role in protecting all citizens.
Although VIP protection remains important, balance is essential. Moving forward, Nigeria must ensure that public safety is not compromised. With elections approaching and insecurity rising in many regions, fair distribution of police resources will be critical. Ultimately, the safety of ordinary citizens should stand at the center of national security planning.