In a move aimed at enhancing national security, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the withdrawal of police officers currently assigned to guard Very Important Persons (VIPs) across Nigeria.
According to a statement issued by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the directive emphasises refocusing police manpower on essential law enforcement responsibilities.
The announcement followed a high-level security meeting on Sunday in Abuja, attended by top military and security chiefs, including the Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke; Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; and the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Tosin Adeola Ajayi.
“President Tinubu has mandated that police deployed to VIP protection be redeployed to address core policing duties, especially in underserved communities where law enforcement presence is limited,” the statement read.
The directive also shifts the responsibility for VIP security requests to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), which will now provide well-armed personnel for such assignments.
Aware of persistent security challenges, President Tinubu has approved recruitment of 30,000 additional police officers and is partnering with state governments to upgrade police training infrastructure nationwide. These steps aim to boost police visibility and effectiveness in all communities, particularly remote areas struggling with inadequate policing.
This strategic realignment marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s approach to internal security, prioritizing public safety over protection of VIPs.
Earlier, President Tinubu via his official X (formerly twitter) handle @OfficialABAT had said had while giving updates about the meeting vowed, “Those who threaten the peace and security of our nation will face the full weight of the law.”
He has tweeted: “I am currently in an extended security meeting with heads of our defence and intelligence apparatus including the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, Inspector-General of Police, Director-General of the DSS, at the State House.
“We are reviewing the latest reports and taking decisive actions to stabilise the affected areas and protect our citizens. I am receiving continuous briefings and have directed our security services to move with speed, precision, and absolute resolve.
“As President, I am fully committed to the security of all Nigerians. Those who threaten the peace and security of our nation will face the full weight of the law.
“Nigeria will prevail.
– Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President & Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces