President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the withdrawal of police officers assigned to protect Very Important Persons (VIPs) nationwide, instructing their redeployment to frontline policing duties.
The directive was issued during a security meeting on Sunday in Abuja, attended by senior security officials, including Chief of Army Staff Lt. General Waidi Shaibu, Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and Director-General of the Department of State Services Tosin Adeola Ajayi.
Under the new policy, VIPs seeking personal security are now expected to request protection from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), which will provide well-armed personnel for such assignments.
This move aligns with President Tinubu’s broader strategy to enhance policing effectiveness, particularly in underserved and remote communities where limited manpower has hindered efforts to safeguard citizens.
To reinforce policing capacity, the president has approved recruiting 30,000 new police officers. Additionally, the federal government is partnering with state administrations to upgrade police training facilities across the country.
A statement from the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, emphasized the administration’s commitment to strengthening security: “In view of the current security challenges facing the country, President Tinubu is desirous of boosting police presence in all communities.”
He added, “President Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 30,000 additional police officers, and the federal government is collaborating with the states to improve police training facilities nationwide.”
This strategic realignment underscores the administration’s focus on prioritizing effective community policing and addressing the nation’s evolving security challenges.
