The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has urged President Bola Tinubu to strengthen the ongoing withdrawal of police escorts from Very Important Persons (VIPs) by signing a firm and enforceable Executive Order.
HURIWA said only a clear presidential directive—spelling out how police operatives should be removed from private individuals who fund such services—would prevent the policy from being undermined, as seen under previous administrations.
In a statement by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, the group recommended that any Commissioner of Police who ignores the order should automatically lose their position, while the Inspector-General of Police must also face sanctions for failures in enforcement.
Calling the VIP-policing culture “a distortion of national priorities,” the rights group insisted that Nigeria cannot continue to divert officers away from public safety while citizens face worsening insecurity.
HURIWA also took a hard stance against the government’s deradicalisation and reintegration programme for former Boko Haram and ISWAP members, describing it as “a crime against humanity.”
The group argued that communities remain traumatised, and the return of former fighters only deepens distrust and fear.
“It is unthinkable that a government created to protect lives and property is instead pampering terrorists through a contrived reintegration programme,” the statement said.
Although some officials, including Brig.-Gen. Abdullahi Ishaq (rtd), have claimed the programme is yielding positive results—especially in reuniting families—HURIWA blamed it for rising attacks on civilians and schoolchildren.
Rejecting the label “repentant terrorists,” the group urged President Tinubu to order decisive military action and root out saboteurs within the armed forces who might be aiding terror networks.
According to HURIWA, only a firm, uncompromising security strategy—not reconciliation with terrorists—can restore peace and protect Nigerian lives.