A significant number of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) are currently engaged in the protection of politicians and other Very Important Persons (VIPs), a situation that experts say is raising concerns about inadequate security coverage for ordinary citizens.

Reports indicate that roughly 100,000 officers out of the force’s estimated 370,000 personnel are diverted from core policing duties to provide personal security for high-profile individuals.

Analysts and human rights observers have long highlighted the challenge of manpower allocation within the NPF. While the protection of public officials is a legitimate duty, critics argue that the disproportionate deployment of officers to VIP security has left many communities under-policed, contributing to rising crime rates and insecurity in several states.

Editorial commentaries and research on policing in Nigeria suggest that this trend has contributed to growing public frustration, as ordinary citizens continue to face threats from kidnappers, bandits, and other criminal elements with minimal police presence.

The diversion of police resources also raises questions about efficiency, operational priorities, and accountability within the force.

Security experts emphasize the need for a balanced approach, where VIP protection does not come at the expense of everyday policing. Recommendations include increasing the overall number of police officers, implementing stricter guidelines on VIP security deployment, and prioritizing community-oriented policing strategies to enhance public safety.

While some reports attribute the figures to studies and commentary on Nigerian policing, the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) has also highlighted resource allocation challenges in its assessments of security conditions, though exact figures remain unverified.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with complex security challenges across the country, the debate over police resource allocation underscores the tension between protecting high-profile individuals and ensuring the safety of the general population.

Observers call on both the government and the police leadership to adopt measures that guarantee adequate coverage for ordinary citizens while maintaining the security of political leaders.