President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the immediate withdrawal of all police officers currently assigned to provide security for Very Important Persons across Nigeria, ordering their redeployment to focus on essential police responsibilities. This move aims to address the critical shortage of police personnel in many communities, particularly in remote areas, where security challenges have hampered effective protection of citizens.

Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy) Bayo Onanuga said in a statement that the presidential directive was issued during a high-level security meeting held on Sunday in Abuja, attended by top security chiefs. “The President has ordered the withdrawal of police officers from VIP protection duties to ensure they concentrate on their core mandates of safeguarding the public,” Onanuga stated. He emphasized that VIPs seeking armed security details would now need to request personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, as part of efforts to streamline security operations.

Onanuga highlighted that the decision stems from the pressing need to bolster police presence nationwide, especially in regions with limited officers, which has made defending communities increasingly difficult. In response to these challenges, President Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 30,000 additional police officers and is working with state governments to upgrade police training facilities. Onanuga noted that these measures are crucial for enhancing security across all localities and addressing current threats effectively.

The security meeting included the Chief of Army Staff, Lt 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. Onanuga reiterated the administration’s commitment to reinforcing security infrastructure and ensuring that police resources are optimized for public safety. The directive takes immediate effect, marking a significant shift in VIP security protocols.