President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his directive for the withdrawal of police officers assigned to VIPs, insisting that the redeployment must be fully enforced to strengthen security operations across the country.
Speaking during Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, the President said his position on the matter had not changed, emphasizing that police personnel must return to core policing duties in communities battling insecurity.
“I stand firmly by my directive,” Tinubu stated. “If any official requires security due to the nature of their assignment, they should contact the Inspector General of Police for clearance.”
To address concerns about potential security gaps following the withdrawal, the President instructed the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to collaborate with the Inspector General of Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to ensure that NSCDC officers replace the withdrawn police personnel.
“The Minister of Interior should work closely with the IGP and the Civil Defence leadership to immediately provide replacements, so no one is left exposed,” Tinubu said. “The NSA and DSS should also form a review committee to strengthen the overall structure.”
Tinubu stressed that Nigeria cannot afford to divert essential security manpower away from regions confronting kidnapping, terrorism, and other violent crimes.
“This directive must be carried out,” he insisted. “We are facing serious security challenges, and we need every officer available. While certain individuals may require special protection, the Civil Defence Corps is well-equipped and armed to fill those roles.”
The directive follows Tinubu’s earlier order on November 24 during a high-level security briefing with service chiefs, the IGP, and the Director-General of the DSS.
According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President mandated that police officers assigned to VIPs be withdrawn and redirected to their primary policing duties nationwide.
Three days later, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun announced that 11,566 police personnel had already been recalled in compliance with the presidential order.
He added that their redeployment to underserved and vulnerable communities is currently underway.
