The directive by President Tinubu that police officers be withdrawn from Very Important Persons (VIPs) has reignited one of Nigeria’s most enduring debates: the paradox of a country that is chronically under-policed yet persistently diverts scarce officers to guard the privileged few. The President has ordered that officers currently assigned to VIPs be redeployed to their core duties. VIPs who still desire escorts must now request personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.