President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a landmark directive ordering the immediate withdrawal of police officers assigned to protect Very Important Persons (VIPs) across Nigeria. The President instructed that all personnel previously engaged in VIP security duties be redeployed to focus on regular policing responsibilities within their respective communities.
Refocusing Police on Core Duties
In a statement released by the presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, it was highlighted that the decision was taken to ensure that the police concentrate on their primary mandate of maintaining law and order, preventing crime, and providing protection to ordinary citizens throughout the country.
According to the statement, the directive was formalized during a high-level security meeting convened by President Tinubu on Sunday in Abuja. The meeting included key security and defence stakeholders, such as the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Air Staff, the Inspector General of Police, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), who were briefed on the critical need to realign police resources to address the nation’s pressing security challenges.
NSCDC to Handle VIP Protection
The statement further detailed that under the new arrangement, individuals who still require official protection, including VIPs, will now receive security support from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), a well-armed paramilitary organization trained for such duties.
“VIPs who desire police protection will now request well-armed personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps,” the directive clarified. This shift aims to free up police officers to perform frontline policing duties in communities facing rising security threats.
Addressing Police Shortages in Communities
The Presidency emphasized that many parts of Nigeria, particularly remote and rural areas, currently face a shortage of police officers, creating gaps in law enforcement and public safety. The withdrawal of officers from VIP assignments is intended to increase police presence in underserved regions, ensuring that more citizens benefit from effective security coverage.
“Many parts of Nigeria, especially remote areas, have few policemen at the stations, thus making the task of protecting and defending the people difficult,” the statement read. The President underscored that boosting police presence in all communities is a top priority for his administration in light of ongoing security challenges.
Approval of 30,000 Additional Police Recruits
To further enhance manpower and strengthen security across the nation, President Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 30,000 new police officers. The initiative will bolster the national police force and improve coverage in areas most affected by insecurity.
The statement noted: “Already, President Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 30,000 additional police officers. The federal government is also collaborating with the states to upgrade police training facilities nationwide, ensuring that newly recruited personnel are effectively prepared to meet contemporary security demands.”
High-Level Security Meeting
Sunday’s security meeting convened by the President brought together top service chiefs and security officials to discuss the realignment of police resources and strategies for improving nationwide security. Present at the meeting were Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke; Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; and Director-General of the DSS, Tosin Adeola Ajayi.
During the meeting, President Tinubu reiterated the urgency of prioritizing ordinary citizens’ safety and emphasized the need for effective coordination between the police, paramilitary forces, and other security agencies. The directive to withdraw police from VIP protection marks a major policy shift aimed at addressing security gaps and ensuring a safer Nigeria for all residents.