President Bola Tinubu has restated his directive to withdraw police officers attached to VIPs and redeploy them to core policing duties, expressing frustration over the slow pace of compliance.
Speaking on Wednesday shortly before presiding over the Federal Executive Council meeting at the State House, Abuja, Tinubu insisted the directive must be implemented without delay.
“I honestly believe in what I said…It should be effected,” he said, urging any affected officials to seek clearance through the Inspector-General of Police.
To avoid exposing individuals who still require protection, Tinubu ordered the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to work with the Inspector-General of Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to replace withdrawn escorts.
The President also instructed the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Department of State Services to issue guidance and ensure full enforcement of the order. “NSA and DSS will…form themselves the committee and review the structure,” he added.
Tinubu linked the decision to rising cases of kidnapping across the country, saying police personnel must be fully available for frontline operations. He noted that civil defence operatives could take over VIP protection where necessary.
The President further revealed that forest guards will be armed as part of broader security reforms. “I have directed the NSA to arm our forest guards, too. Take it seriously,” he said.
Tinubu also tasked Vice-President Kashim Shettima to work through the National Economic Council to revive grazing reserves into ranches and livestock settlements, saying the move would help reduce farmer-herder conflicts and unlock economic opportunities.
