President Tinubu Orders Withdrawal of Police from VIP Security Duties

President Bola Tinubu has directed that police personnel currently assigned to guard Very Important Persons (VIPs) be withdrawn and redeployed to focus on their core law enforcement responsibilities.

The order was issued during a security meeting with service chiefs, including the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant 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.

According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, the directive aims to refocus police manpower on essential policing duties and improve security coverage nationwide.

“Henceforth, police authorities will deploy personnel to concentrate on their core duties,” Onanuga said. “VIPs who require protection will now request well-armed personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).”

The move comes amid rising abductions and security threats across the country. Onanuga highlighted that many areas, particularly remote communities, have too few police officers at their stations, limiting the ability to protect residents effectively.

President Tinubu also announced measures to strengthen policing, including the recruitment of 30,000 additional police officers and collaboration with state governments to upgrade police training facilities nationwide. The initiative underscores the federal government’s commitment to boosting police presence and enhancing security across Nigeria.