The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has confirmed that police officers providing security for recently arrested foreign hackers were doing so without authorization.
On November 4, the Nigeria Police Force announced the arrest of 130 individuals involved in cybercrimes and activities threatening national security.
Among those arrested were 113 foreign nationals—87 men and 26 women—mainly from China and Malaysia, along with 17 Nigerian collaborators.
However, an investigation by The PUNCH found that these foreign nationals had been receiving police protection prior to their arrests.
Speaking at a criminal investigation workshop on Monday, IGP Egbetokun stated that the involved officers had been detained.
“It’s true that some officers were found protecting these foreigners. They were arrested as they were on an unauthorized duty, without any official orders assigning them to that task,” he said, emphasizing that their actions were not part of any sanctioned police operation.
Egbetokun also noted that the commanding officers of the detained personnel had disowned them, pledging that disciplinary measures would be taken.
“These police escorts were not formally deployed by police authorities. They acted outside official orders and will be dealt with accordingly,” he added.
Clarifying the police’s role in providing security, Egbetokun explained that certain members of society, including prominent business figures and large employers, are legally entitled to police protection.
“Some VIPs, major business owners, and employers with large workforces who contribute significantly to society deserve police protection,” he said, warning against the misuse of such services.
He also cautioned that while escorts may be assigned after thorough investigation, misuse of the privilege would lead to immediate withdrawal.
“We have had cases where individuals entitled to police escorts misused them. This protection will be withdrawn in such cases,” he said.
