Police Debunk Viral Memo on Withdrawal of Officers from VIPs

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has dismissed as fake a document circulating online, which allegedly directed officers attached to certain prominent Nigerians to immediately return to the 50 Police Mobile Force (PMF) Squadron in Abuja.

In a statement released on Friday through the Force’s official X handle, Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, described the memo—purportedly signed by CSP Suleiman Abdullahi, the alleged Admin Officer of the squadron—as “false and misleading.”

The document listed several VIPs, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President Namadi Sambo, Governor Nyesom Wike, Aisha Buhari, Justice Kudirat Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, HRM Ogiame Atuwatse III, Ngozi Iweala, Senators Ahmed Lawal and Tanko Almakura, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani, and others.

The Police clarified that no officer by the name of Suleiman Abdullahi serves in the 50 PMF Squadron and that the position of Admin Officer is not held by an officer of Chief Superintendent rank.

CSP Hundeyin said the fake document is a deliberate attempt to create confusion among the public.

He reiterated that the implementation of the Presidential directive on the withdrawal of police officers from VIP duties is ongoing but is being executed in a structured, phased, and professional manner to avoid security gaps.

“Our priority remains the safety and security of all Nigerians. Measures are in place to ensure law and order during this transition,” the statement added.

The NPF urged citizens to rely only on official communication channels for accurate information and to refrain from sharing unverified documents that could undermine public confidence.