Security Shock: Chief Emeka Kalu Writes Tinubu, Says VIP Police Withdrawal Is A National Risk

Prominent political leader and Chairman of ECK Foundations, Chief Dr. Emeka Charles Kalu, has raised a strong national security alarm over the recent directive of the Federal Government to withdraw police protection from VIPs across Nigeria. In a detailed open letter addressed to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Kalu appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reconsider the decision, warning that the policy could worsen Nigeria's fragile security situation.

Chief Kalu, who expressed deep respect for the Office of the President, noted that although reforms in national security architecture are necessary, withdrawing police personnel from VIPs at a time when the nation is battling kidnapping, banditry, targeted assassinations, terrorism and violent attacks by non state actors, could expose the country to avoidable danger.

According to him, VIPs remain prime targets because of their public visibility and roles in governance, business, diplomacy, and national stability. He questioned how government officials, legislators, business leaders, ambassadors, traditional rulers, judges and other high-profile citizens are expected to travel or engage in public duties safely in the absence of trained police escorts.

Chief Kalu described as worrisome the recommendation that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) should take over the protective duties. He noted that the NSCDC, with an estimated 63,000 active personnel nationwide, is already overstretched with its core responsibilities of protecting critical national assets and responding to public safety emergencies.

He argued that expecting them to take on specialized VIP protection would not only burden the agency but also weaken multiple layers of national security.

The open letter further warned that withdrawing police protection abruptly even from lawmakers and senior government officials could affect continuity of governance, investor confidence, diplomatic engagements, internal security coordination and overall public trust in state institutions.

Chief Kalu emphasized that even the world's most advanced nations maintain structured VIP protection because the operational visibility of public officials makes them targets of calculated attacks.

He stressed that Nigeria must not adopt a policy that leaves critical national figures exposed during a period of heightened insecurity.

He urged President Tinubu to suspend the implementation of the policy until a more comprehensive, phased, professionally structured and properly funded alternative security framework is developed.

According to him, the goal of every national security reform should be to enhance, not diminish, the safety of citizens and public officers whose work keeps the nation functioning.

Chief Kalu concluded his letter by reaffirming confidence in the President's leadership, expressing hope that the administration will prioritize national safety above administrative expediency.