President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the immediate withdrawal of police officers assigned to protect Very Important Persons (VIPs). The order was issued during a security meeting with the nation’s service 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.
The announcement was made by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who said the directive is aimed at redirecting police manpower to essential law enforcement duties.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the withdrawal of police officers currently providing security for Very Important Persons,” Onanuga stated. “From now on, police personnel will be deployed to focus on their primary policing responsibilities.”
The decision follows rising incidents of abduction and security threats across the country.
According to the president, VIPs who still require protection will have to request armed security from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Onanuga noted that many communities, especially remote areas, suffer from a shortage of police officers, making it harder to ensure public safety.
“In light of the current security challenges, President Tinubu is determined to increase police presence nationwide,” he said. “He has already approved the recruitment of 30,000 new police officers, and the federal government is working with state governments to upgrade police training facilities across the country.”
ICYMI
This measure is part of broader efforts to strengthen national security and improve law enforcement coverage.
