Nigeria Police Force has dismissed a viral document making the rounds online that claims officers attached to several VIPs have been ordered to immediately return to their base.
The alleged memo, said to have come from the 50 Police Mobile Force (PMF) Squadron in Abuja, turned out to be nothing more than a cleverly packaged fake.
The clarification was issued in statement on Friday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin.
CSP Hundeyin said the document -- which bears the name of one CSP Suleiman Abdullahi as the supposed Admin Officer of the squadron -- is entirely fabricated.
He stressed that no such officer exists in the 50 PMF Squadron and that the role of an administrative officer in any PMF squadron is not assigned to someone of the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police.
"This document is fake and should be disregarded by the public," the Force spokesman stated, describing the circulation as a deliberate ploy to mislead Nigerians and stir confusion.
While distancing itself from the viral memo, the Police spokesman confirmed that the Federal Government's directive to withdraw officers from VIP protection is already in motion. However, the Force emphasized that the rollout is being handled carefully and strategically.
He explained that the withdrawal is "being carried out in a structured, phased, and professional manner" to prevent any security lapses that criminals might capitalize on. Ensuring public safety, the Force added, remains its top priority throughout the transition.
Nigerians have been urged to verify information from official sources before sharing, especially at a time when misinformation easily gains traction online.
The Police reassured the public of its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the protection of lives and property.