Sowore Accuses Police of Wearing Vigilante Uniforms for VIP Escort Duties

Human rights activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has accused officers of the Nigeria Police Force of disguising in vigilante and civil defence uniforms to continue providing VIP escort services.

Sowore made the allegation on Monday while addressing journalists at the Federal High Court in Abuja. He claimed that despite reports that VIP protection duties had been reduced, some police officers were allegedly obtaining uniforms belonging to vigilante groups and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to continue escort operations.

According to him, the practice undermines ongoing calls for police reform and diverts manpower from tackling insecurity across the country.

The activist reiterated his demand for the withdrawal of what he described as “cross-border transportation” of suspects, alleging that police officers move individuals across states over minor offences, thereby wasting public funds. He called for a restructuring of the police through retraining, reorganisation and renewed motivation of personnel to enable them focus on core policing responsibilities.

Sowore also criticised the existence of roadblocks on highways, describing them as aiding corruption rather than combating crime. He argued that modern policing should rely on patrol vehicles and rapid response systems rather than static checkpoints.

On internal reforms, he called for a review of past promotions within the force and alleged irregularities in personnel records, claiming that some officers residing abroad still receive salaries. He urged authorities to ensure accountability and redirect resources to active-duty officers.

The AAC presidential candidate further suggested that the term “Force” be removed from the Nigeria Police’s name, proposing that it be changed to reflect a service-oriented institution, similar to the Nigerian Correctional Service.

While acknowledging the recent change in police leadership, Sowore expressed hope that the new Inspector-General would undertake sweeping reforms, stressing that no tenure in office is permanent and that meaningful change is urgently required.