NPF disowns viral memo on alleged withdrawal of CJN’s security detail

The Nigeria Police Force has debunked a document circulating on social media claiming that security operatives attached to the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Olukayode Ariwoola, and several other prominent Nigerians have been withdrawn.

In a statement on Thursday, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, described the document purportedly issued by the Police Mobile Force 50 Squadron in Abuja as fake, warning the public to disregard it.

According to Adejobi, the memo, which allegedly ordered the immediate withdrawal of police escorts from the CJN, former governors, and other VIPs, did not originate from any recognised police formation. He noted that the signatory and the format of the document do not align with official police communication standards.

“The Nigeria Police Force wishes to state categorically that the signal in circulation is fake and did not emanate from the Police Mobile Force or any unit of the Force. The officer whose name appears on the memo is not the administrative officer of 50PMF, and the rank quoted does not correspond to such a role,” the statement said.

The police spokesperson stressed that authentic directives on VIP protection would only be released through established channels and not via leaked or unsigned documents on social media.

He further warned individuals behind the circulation of the fake memo to desist, adding that the Force would not tolerate attempts to cause public confusion or undermine national security operations.

The clarification comes amid heightened attention on VIP security arrangements following the Federal Government’s recent directive ordering the redeployment of police personnel attached to certain categories of individuals nationwide. However, the police emphasised that any legitimate adjustments to security details would be communicated formally.

The Force urged members of the public to rely solely on verified police statements and report suspicious documents to the nearest police formation.