- Safiu Kehinde
The Nigeria Police Force has debunked issuance of a document directing the withdrawal of all police officers attached to prominent public figures such as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, and the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, amongst others,
This is coming under the heels of President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of nationwide security emergency days after ordering the withdrawal of all police officers attached to VIPs security duties.
Sequel to the directives a document had purportedly originated. from 50 Police Mobile Force (PMF) Squadron, Abuja.
As contained in the now viral document signed by on CSP Suleiman Abdullahi, the squadron had allegedly directed all police officers attached to Wike, Atiku, Fagbemi, and 17 others to report back to base immediately.
Reacting in a statement issued on Friday by its spokesperson, Benjami Hundeyin, the Nigerian Police Force labelled the document fake.
The Force maintained that the document was fabricated as no officer serving in the 50 PMF Squadron bears the name CSP Suleiman Abdullahi.
While reiterating the commencement of the implementation of the President’s directives, Hundeyin said the process is being carried out in a structured, phased, and professional manner to ensure that no security vacuum is created that could be exploited by criminal elements.
“The Force wishes to categorically state that this document, allegedly signed by one CSP Suleiman Abdullahi, described as the Admin Officer of the squadron, is fake and should be disregarded by the public.
“There is no officer by the name CSP Suleiman Abdullahi serving in 50 PMF Squadron, nor is the position of Admin Officer in any PMF squadron held by an officer of the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP).
“This fabrication appears to be a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and create unnecessary confusion.
“For emphasis, the Nigeria Police Force confirms that the implementation of the Presidential Directive on the withdrawal of police officers from VIP duties has indeed commenced.
“However, this process is being carried out in a structured, phased, and professional manner to ensure that no security vacuum is created that could be exploited by criminal elements.” He wrote.
The police spokesperson urged members of the public to disregard the fake document and rely on official channels of the force for accurate information.
“Our priority remains the safety and security of all Nigerians, and measures have been put in place to ensure absolute maintenance of law and order throughout the transition period.
“The public is urged to rely on official channels for accurate information and to refrain from sharing unverified documents that could undermine public confidence.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the protection of lives and property at all times.