The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, stated that the officers providing protection to foreign hackers arrested for cybercrimes were on unauthorised duty.
On 4 November, the Nigeria Police Force announced the arrest of 130 individuals linked to serious cybercrimes, hacking, and activities posing threats to national security.
The group included 113 foreign nationals—87 men and 26 women—primarily from China and Malaysia, alongside 17 Nigerian collaborators.
However, PUNCH investigation revealed that the foreign nationals had received police protection prior to their arrests.
During a workshop on Monday for standardising criminal investigations, Egbetokun responded to the report, confirming that the police officers involved had been detained.
He stated, “It is true that some police officers were seen protecting these foreigners. They have been arrested. We discovered that these officers were on unauthorised duty. No one assigned them to this task; they were acting independently.”
Egbetokun added that the officers’ commander had disowned them, stressing that those involved would face disciplinary action.
He continued, “I have clarified that these police escorts were not formally deployed by police authorities; they were found performing unauthorised duties. Their unit commanders have denied sending them.”
He explained that while certain individuals, such as business leaders and employers, legitimately require police protection, this should not apply to unauthorised situations.
Egbetokun noted, “This does not negate the need to provide protection for some individuals in society. There are VIPs whom the police must safeguard—major employers and people with significant roles in our economy. If something were to happen to them, it could seriously impact employment and economic stability.”
The IG also addressed the issue of police officers attached to individuals who do not genuinely need protection, revealing that such officers were often not formally deployed.
He said, “Some of the officers you see attached to individuals who do not merit police protection were not formally deployed by the police authority. Some were assigned unofficially. We are working to address this.
“I recently directed that any police officer found in such roles will be traced to their origin, with their commander or supervisor held accountable. We believe these measures will reduce such occurrences.”
Egbetokun cautioned against misuse of police escorts, saying, “Sometimes, individuals apply for escorts. We assess their need and provide security where appropriate. However, if they misuse these escorts, we withdraw them immediately.”
Regarding minors arrested, Egbetokun clarified they were not detained for participating in the #EndBadGovernance protests but for looting and vandalising public property.
He said, “I want to thank Mr President for his intervention in pardoning those children. However, I must correct the misrepresentation that minors were arrested for protesting. That narrative is false.
“The police did not arrest anyone for participating in the End Bad Governance protest. Those detained were criminals who took advantage of the protest to vandalise public and private property, committing arson and theft. They cannot be regarded as protesters.
“Protesting is a constitutional right. However, these individuals were seen looting and destroying property on video, and we cannot ignore such behaviour. A society cannot progress if this destruction is allowed to continue unchecked.”