President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the withdrawal of police officers assigned to guard Very Important Persons (VIPs) across the country, directing that the personnel be redeployed to strengthen core policing functions nationwide.
The directive was issued during a high-level security meeting held on Sunday in Abuja, attended by the Chiefs of Army and Air Staff, the Inspector General of Police, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS).
According to the Presidency, VIPs who require security escorts will henceforth obtain armed protection from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), rather than the Nigeria Police Force.
The decision comes amid concerns over inadequate police presence in many communities, especially rural and remote areas where understaffed stations struggle to respond to crime and protect residents. The President is said to be prioritizing increased police visibility as part of efforts to address ongoing security challenges.
To reinforce manpower, President Tinubu has also approved the recruitment of 30,000 additional police officers. The Federal Government is collaborating with state governments to upgrade police training institutions as part of broader security reforms.
Those present at Sunday’s meeting include 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.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, disclosed the development in a statement on Sunday.
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