President Bola Tinubu has approved a significant restructuring within Nigeria’s security framework by directing the immediate withdrawal of police officers assigned to protect Very Important Persons across the country.
The decision, announced in a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, is aimed at returning police personnel to their essential responsibilities of maintaining law and order in communities.
According to the statement, the directive followed a high level security meeting President Tinubu held on Sunday with the leadership of the police, the Air Force, the army and the Department of State Services in Abuja. During the meeting, the President emphasized the need for a stronger police presence nationwide, especially in areas currently underserved. “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 quoted.
The President further explained that VIPs who still require armed protection will henceforth obtain such services from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps instead of the police. This measure, he noted, is part of broader efforts to refocus policing priorities and ensure that officers are deployed where they are most needed. “VIPs who want police protection will now request well armed personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps,” the directive stated.
To reinforce policing strength nationwide, President Tinubu has also approved the recruitment of 30000 additional police officers. The federal government, according to the statement, is partnering with state governments to upgrade police training facilities to ensure that new recruits receive adequate preparation before deployment. The initiative is expected to boost operational capacity and enhance community safety.
The meeting that shaped these decisions was attended by key security chiefs, including the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, the Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and the Director General of the Department of State Services Tosin Adeola Ajayi. They were all briefed on the new directive and the strategic changes aimed at improving national security.
With these measures, the Tinubu administration says it intends to strengthen security at the grassroots level while ensuring that security agencies remain focused on their core duties across Nigeria. The withdrawal of VIP police escorts and the recruitment of additional officers mark the beginning of what the presidency describes as a renewed commitment to community safety and national stability.
